Samsung will shut down its native Messages app in July 2026, making Google Messages the default across all Galaxy devices

Samsung confirmed it will phase out Samsung Messages in July 2026, directing users to Google Messages, which already ships as the default texting app on the Galaxy S26 and other recent Galaxy devices. Existing messages and contacts can be migrated to Google Messages, and Samsung may push in-app notifications to guide users through the transition, though those on Android 11 or below will be unaffected. Legacy Galaxy Watch models running Tizen OS, particularly those predating the Galaxy Watch 4, do not support Google Messages, meaning those wearables will lose full conversation log visibility once Samsung Messages is discontinued.