Overview
- Samsung has retired its Samsung Messages app in the United States and is directing Galaxy owners to use Google Messages as the default text client.
- Developer OzarksMade launched a beta called Messages by OzarksMade that aims to copy Samsung’s One UI layout and restore features such as SMS, MMS, group chats, scheduled messages, and conversation categories.
- The app cannot talk directly to Google’s RCS network so it requires Google Messages to remain installed and run in the background for RCS features like typing indicators and high‑res media to work.
- The release is an early beta available via the developer’s sign‑up and has not been independently tested; the developer says the finished app will be a one‑time $0.99 purchase.
- The new app may ease the transition for Galaxy users who miss Samsung’s interface but it raises practical risks for people who send messages, including reliance on Google’s RCS rules, third‑party access to texts, and possible legal or security questions over closely copying Samsung’s design.