Samsung to Close Samsung Messages in July, Encourages Switch to Google Messages
Samsung has announced the discontinuation of its messaging application, Samsung Messages, effective July. The tech giant has encouraged users to transition to Google Messages to ensure a seamless messaging experience on Android devices.
Transition to Google Messages
Samsung’s decision to phase out Samsung Messages affects all users of its Galaxy smartphones and related devices. The company’s U.S. support website provides detailed instructions for those wishing to adopt Google Messages.
How to Switch
- Download Google Messages from the Play Store if it’s not already installed.
- Set Google Messages as the default messaging app.
- Look for in-app notifications that may assist in the transition process.
Switching to Google Messages will provide users with access to advanced features. These include AI-driven functionalities from Google’s Gemini, such as the experimental “Remix” feature for generating images during chats and smart reply suggestions.
Enhanced Messaging Features
Google Messages also enables the sharing of high-quality images between Android and iOS users through RCS-enabled messages. However, users with devices running older versions of Android (11 or earlier) will not be affected by this transition.
Checking Android Version
To determine the Android version on your Samsung device, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select “Software Information.”
- Scroll down to find the “Android Version.”
Future of Samsung Messages
After the official discontinuation in July, users will no longer be able to download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store. Samsung recommends checking the app for specific service discontinuation dates.
As of now, there is no confirmation regarding whether the guidelines for Samsung Messages will apply outside the U.S. Samsung has yet to respond to inquiries about global consistency in their messaging service support.
