Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in the US in July 2026, it has been reported that

It has been reported that Samsung plans to discontinue its Samsung Messages app in the United States in July 2026 and is offering instructions for users on older Android versions to switch to Google Messages. 9to5Google first flagged the notice, which appears aimed at smoothing the transition for people who rely on Samsung’s built-in SMS/RCS client. Change is never fun — especially when it comes to your message thread history.

What Samsung is telling users

Samsung is allegedly directing customers who still run older versions of Android to migrate to Google Messages, providing step-by-step guidance for installing and setting it as the default messaging app. The notices are framed as a support move: get users onto an actively maintained client, keep RCS features working, and avoid fragmentation. Whether this is a simple housekeeping decision or a sign Samsung is ceding messaging responsibilities to Google is up for debate.

What you should do

If you use Samsung Messages in the US, don’t wait until July to act. Back up important conversations, download Google Messages from the Play Store, enable Chat features (RCS) if you want advanced messaging, and set Google Messages as your default app. Those steps will preserve group chats, media transfers, and the richer experience many of us now expect from modern texting.

Why this matters

This isn’t just an app sunset. It’s part of a broader industry trend of device makers consolidating around Google’s messaging stack — think of it as part of the slow march toward a single, unified texting experience. For users, it’s a bittersweet moment: one fewer Samsung-specific touch, one less place for a favorite custom feature. Will people care, or shrug and move on? Expect pushback from the attachment crowd — but also relief from anyone who’s ever cursed a fractured messaging ecosystem.

Sources: 9to5google.com