Samsung has confirmed it will shut down its native messaging app, Samsung Messages, by July 2026.
The company is already moving users to Google Messages, which will become the default texting app on Samsung devices.
Updates for Samsung Messages will stop before the shutdown, meaning users will need to switch to Google Messages to keep receiving full messaging support.
In Nigeria, where Samsung accounts for an estimated 15% of the smartphone market, the development will affect millions of users, particularly those using older Galaxy devices.
Samsung started prioritising Google Messages as far back as the Galaxy S21 series. By 2024, newer devices no longer came with Samsung Messages pre-installed.
The planned July 2026 shutdown now confirms the app’s complete exit.
Timeline and impact
Samsung Messages will stop receiving updates before being fully retired by mid-July 2026. After that, the app will no longer be supported.
The change applies across Samsung’s Galaxy lineup, from entry-level A-series phones to flagship S and Z series models. However, the user experience will vary depending on the device and Android version.
Devices running Android 12 and above are part of the transition. Users on older versions, such as Android 11 and below, may still be able to use Samsung Messages for a while, although without long-term support.
Recent models, including newer Galaxy S-series devices and budget options, already come with Google Messages by default. Samsung Messages is also no longer available for download on the Play Store.
Why Samsung is making the switch
Samsung’s decision aligns with streamlining the Android messaging experience by aligning more closely with Google.
Google Messages provides support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), which upgrades traditional SMS with features similar to instant messaging apps, including read receipts, typing indicators and improved media sharing.
Other features include stronger spam protection and tighter security controls. The app is also integrated with Google’s AI tools, offering suggested replies and enhanced media handling.
Rather than maintaining two separate apps, Samsung is consolidating messaging under a single, more widely supported platform.
What it means for Nigerian users
For users in Nigeria, the change brings both benefits and limitations.
RCS can reduce reliance on traditional SMS and may offer a more data-efficient way to send messages over mobile data or Wi-Fi. A unified messaging platform also makes it easier to sync conversations across devices.
However, RCS support is still dependent on mobile networks, and not all Nigerian carriers fully support the feature. This means some users may not immediately experience its full benefits.
Samsung says users will be able to transfer existing messages to Google Messages, ensuring chat history is not lost during the transition.
The shutdown of Samsung Messages shows Samsung’s software strategy. In handing over messaging to Google, the company is simplifying its ecosystem while focusing on wider integration, security and consistency across Android devices.
The change may take some adjustment for users, but it also aligns with the direction messaging on Android is heading.
