Google Messages app

AppWizard
July 30, 2026
Samsung has phased out its Samsung Messages app in the U.S., leading users to switch to Google Messages. A new third-party app, Messages by OzarksMade, has been developed to replicate the look and feel of Samsung's original messaging tool. This app offers two modes: Standalone Mode for SMS and MMS messaging, and Companion Mode for Rich Communication Services (RCS) features, which relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app. Messages by OzarksMade is currently in open beta testing on Google Play and will be officially launched for a one-time purchase price of [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: Samsung has officially phased out its native Samsung Messages app in the United States, prompting long-time Galaxy users to transition to Google Messages as their default text messaging client. For those who find themselves nostalgic for the familiar interface and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new alternative has emerged to fill that void. Enter Messages by OzarksMade—a third-party application designed to replicate the look, feel, and navigation of Samsung’s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch Created by the U.S.-based developer OzarksMade, this app specifically caters to enthusiasts of One UI, incorporating classic design elements such as rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovering deleted texts, as reported by Android Authority. Messages by OzarksMade offers two distinct operational modes tailored to different texting needs: Standalone Mode: This basic setup allows users to send traditional SMS and MMS messages directly, without any additional software requirements. Companion Mode: For those seeking the full suite of Rich Communication Services (RCS) features—such as typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app seamlessly transitions into this mode. However, it’s important to note that Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. Consequently, Companion Mode operates by leveraging the pre-installed Google Messages app, which runs quietly in the background. The developer has indicated that this setup utilizes Google’s Jibe infrastructure, the same backend that powered Samsung Messages for seven years. As a result, users can enjoy the same reliable messaging experience while wrapped in the nostalgic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles Currently, Messages by OzarksMade is in an open beta testing phase available through Google Play. The developer plans to officially launch the app 14 days after its Google Group testing reaches a minimum of 12 members. Upon completion of the development phase, the app will be offered for a one-time purchase price of [cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: Samsung officially retired its native Samsung Messages app in the U.S. Earlier this month, steering long-time Galaxy owners toward Google Messages as the default text client. However, for users who miss the familiar layout, colors, and organization of Samsung’s original software, a new third-party creation wants to bring that exact experience back. We’re talking about Messages by OzarksMade, an alternative, third-party app that recreates the look, feel, and navigation of Samsung‘s retired messaging tool. How it works and the RCS catch The tool was developed by U.S.-based creator OzarksMade. It explicitly targets One UI enthusiasts, copying classic layout touches like rounded cards, collapsible headers, conversation categories, chip filters, and a dedicated trash bin for recovered texts (via Android Authority). It offers two distinct operational setups depending on your texting needs. The basic Standalone Mode handles traditional SMS and MMS texting directly without extra software dependencies. Then, for full Rich Communication Services (RCS) chat features—including typing indicators, read receipts, blue bubbles, group chats, and high-resolution media sharing—the app switches to Companion Mode. Google restricts direct third-party access to its RCS backend. So, Companion Mode relies on the pre-installed Google Messages app running silently in the background. The developer notes this uses Google’s Jibe infrastructure—the same backend Samsung Messages used for seven years. This means your texts travel through identical networks while wrapped in the classic One UI design. Availability, pricing, and potential hurdles The app is currently running an open beta testing phase through Google Play. There are plans to officially launch 14 days after its Google Group testing threshold reaches 12 members. Once development finishes and the app leaves beta, OzarksMade plans to sell it for a one-time purchase price of $0.99. Scheduled updates already promise to add customizable chat themes, which are missing from the current beta build. That said, using an unofficial clone comes with obvious caveats. Handing text permissions to a new third-party developer requires caution, and copying Samsung’s interface, icon, and branding so closely could attract copyright scrutiny if Samsung decides the design steps on its intellectual property rights." temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].99. Future updates are already on the horizon, promising to introduce customizable chat themes, which are not yet available in the current beta version. Nevertheless, potential users should exercise caution when considering this unofficial clone. Granting text permissions to a new third-party developer raises privacy concerns, and the close imitation of Samsung’s interface, icons, and branding could invite copyright scrutiny if Samsung perceives that the design infringes upon its intellectual property rights." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].99 after reaching a minimum of 12 testers. Future updates will include customizable chat themes. Users should be cautious about privacy and potential copyright issues due to the app's close imitation of Samsung's design.
AppWizard
April 24, 2026
The Google Messages app for Android has introduced a feature that allows users to locate and restore deleted messages. Users can personalize notification icons by transforming their face into an icon. The app includes a Priority conversation setting that lets users assign special sounds to individual messages. A snooze option allows users to temporarily dismiss messages without missing them, and timestamps in messages link to the user's calendar. Event creation has been simplified with a new button next to text suggestions, and users can send messages at any time. The search functionality is enhanced for finding conversations, and each conversation can be assigned a distinctive color for better organization. In-line video expansion and enriched web links improve content viewing, and customizable swipe actions streamline navigation within the app.
AppWizard
April 7, 2026
Samsung will discontinue its Samsung Messages app in July 2026, urging users to switch to Google Messages. Users should download Google Messages and set it as their default messaging app before the shutdown. Users with older Android devices (Android 11 or earlier) will not be affected. Newer Samsung Galaxy models will not be able to download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store.
AppWizard
April 7, 2026
Samsung is discontinuing its Samsung Messages application and transitioning users to Google Messages by July. Users are encouraged to switch themselves for a smoother transition, with advantages including enhanced AI capabilities, multi-device connectivity, and RCS Messaging. The exact date for the discontinuation has yet to be provided. Users will receive in-app notifications to guide them through the transition, or they can manually download Google Messages and set it as their default SMS app. Samsung Messages will not be available for download on new devices, including the Galaxy S26. Users with Android 12 or 13 will need to manually add the Google Messages icon to their home screen dock after switching. Those with devices released prior to 2022 may experience temporary disruptions in RCS conversations. Messaging support will also cease for older generation smartwatches running Tizen OS, specifically those launched before the Galaxy Watch4.
AppWizard
April 6, 2026
Samsung will discontinue the Samsung Messages app in the United States by July 2026 and is encouraging users to transition to Google Messages as their default messaging app. This change primarily affects Samsung smartphone users in the U.S., particularly those with newer Android versions. Devices released prior to 2022 may face temporary disruptions in RCS conversations, though SMS and MMS will remain functional. Newer devices, such as the Galaxy S26 series and later, will not have Samsung Messages available for download from the Galaxy Store. After July 2026, the app will be completely inaccessible, and sending messages through Samsung Messages will be limited to emergency numbers or designated contacts. Users of older Galaxy smartwatches running Tizen OS will lose access to full message conversation history. Transition steps to Google Messages include downloading the app, setting it as the default SMS app, and confirming the choice.
AppWizard
January 8, 2026
A native App Lock feature is anticipated to be introduced in Android 17, allowing users to secure specific applications for enhanced privacy. In the Android Canary 2601 release, new code indicates that notifications from locked apps will be delivered with obscured content, showing generic messages like “New message” or “New notification.” The app name and icon may still be visible in these notifications, helping users identify the source while keeping the content private. These features are not finalized and will be confirmed upon the official release by Google.
AppWizard
November 26, 2025
Google Messages has introduced a feature called Remix, launched in November 2025, which allows users to create remixed images using the Nano Banana image-generation model. This opt-in feature requires users to accept terms and conditions and is available only to those aged 18 and older. Users can modify or generate new visuals directly within the app by selecting a photo, long-pressing it, and using the Remix button. The feature is compatible across devices, enabling friends to view and respond to remixed images.
AppWizard
November 8, 2025
Google Messages has increased the number of conversations users can pin to the top of their inbox from ten to twenty in the latest update, specifically in version messages.android2025110300_RC00. This feature allows users to pin up to 20 conversations, a significant increase from the previous limits of three, five, and ten. Users can pin chats by touching and holding a conversation, then tapping the pin icon. After updating the app, users will receive a notification indicating the new limit of pinned conversations.
AppWizard
October 27, 2025
Users can access photos in the Google Messages app on Android by tapping a “plus sign [+]” button, which offers options like Gallery, Camera, GIFs, Stickers, Files, Location, Contacts, and Schedule Send. Selecting the Gallery shows recent images and videos stored locally, but accessing cloud-stored photos requires an additional tap on the Folders button. Google is working on a solution to streamline this process. The custom media picker currently requires access to the full media gallery, raising security concerns. However, with the upcoming Android 16, an embedded photo picker will allow apps to integrate a photo picker directly, showing both cloud-hosted and locally stored media without needing broad permissions. This new feature will enhance user privacy and eliminate the extra step for accessing cloud-hosted content.
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