Samsung exits the messaging app game in the U.S.
Samsung is no longer providing its native messaging app in the U.S., marking a major change for Galaxy smartphone users. The app, once the default for sending and receiving texts, has been discontinued there. Earlier this year, the company warned users that the app would stop working by July 2026, but it moved the timeline forward. Now, Galaxy users in the U.S. can’t use Samsung Messages anymore. The brand has encouraged people to switch to Google Messages instead.
A small-time developer picks up the slack
Independent developer OzarksMade has stepped in to help fill the gap left by Samsung. The new app, Messages by OzarksMade, is aimed at Galaxy users who miss the Samsung Messages interface. It’s already in beta, and it brings a design similar to Samsung’s One UI aesthetic. Plus, it supports standard messaging types such as SMS, MMS, and Google’s advanced RCS messaging protocol.
The app is intended to mimic the look and feel of the original Samsung Messages. Features like group chats, scheduled message sending, and conversation categories are already part of the beta version. Still, some elements are missing. Notably, chat themes, a popular customization in Samsung Messages, aren’t included yet. But the developer has promised that these will be added in a future update.
Despite being made by a third party, the app has some limitations. Google does not let outside developers access its RCS infrastructure directly. So, for this app to work, users must still have Google Messages installed on their devices in the background. Even with this requirement, OzarksMade is intended to be the primary texting app for users.
A $0.99 price tag for legacy feel
Once the beta testing period ends, the app will be available for purchase at a one-time fee of $0.99. That’s a low cost for many, especially for those who want to regain a messaging experience that’s similar to the one they were used to with Samsung Messages. While this app is unofficial, it seems to be the best option for now.
Although Google Messages has evolved and improved over the last few years, it still doesn’t fully match the customization options or the visual style many Galaxy users loved. For those who want something that feels more like the Samsung experience, Messages by OzarksMade may be the best solution until an official replacement is available.
Interestingly, RCS support is offered through a “Companion Mode” that uses Google Messages in the background. Samsung officially pulled the plug on Samsung Messages in the U.S. earlier this month. The app intentionally mimics Samsung Messages’ design, and while we’re unsure whether it crosses any legal lines, Samsung could challenge it if it believes its branding, interface, or other intellectual property has been copied too closely. The app is currently open for beta sign-ups through the Google Play Store.
