Goodbye Samsung Messages: Galaxy S25 comes with only Google Messages

Update: January 23, 2025 (1:10 AM ET): Samsung has shed some light on what’s next for Samsung Messages, which might matter if you’re still using it instead of Google Messages.

Samsung, working closely with Google, has decided to switch entirely to Google Messages and is phasing out Samsung Messages. You won’t find Samsung Messages on the Play Store anymore, but if you’re a fan, you can still use it. We think that Google Messages with its RCS features gives a better chat experience for everyone, whether they’re using Android or another platform.

Original article: January 22, 2025 (1 PM ET): One common gripe with Samsung phones has been the extra apps you find in One UI, especially having both Samsung and Google Messages. But with the Galaxy S25, that changes; now, you’ll only get Google Messages right from the start.

Google Messages first appeared on a Samsung phone with the Galaxy S21 series back in 2021. It was a big change because the app looked different on Samsung phones, matching the One UI style. People thought this might be the end for Samsung Messages, and indeed it was, though it took some time.

When we got our hands on the Galaxy S25, we saw right away that Samsung Messages was no longer there. Google Messages has taken over, which might not please everyone since Samsung’s app had unique features like custom chat folders.

This move isn’t shocking. Samsung announced in July 2024 that it would set Google Messages as the default on new phones. The Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 did this, but they also kept Samsung Messages for those who wanted it.

We’re not sure if Samsung Messages will vanish from older devices with the update to One UI 7, but it’s still around in the beta versions for the Galaxy S24. Also, it’s unclear if you can still get Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store on the S25 or if there’s an option to move your chats over to Google Messages.