Samsung Electronics will discontinue its long-running Samsung Messages app in July 2026, officially ending support for the native messaging application on Galaxy devices and directing millions of users to adopt Google Messages as the default SMS and RCS platform.

The South Korean tech giant posted an “End of Service Announcement” on its U.S. website, confirming that the Samsung Messages application will cease operations in July 2026. Users still relying on the app are encouraged to switch to Google Messages immediately to ensure uninterrupted texting, with Samsung providing guided transition instructions within the app.

The move marks the culmination of a years-long shift by Samsung toward Google’s messaging ecosystem. Starting with the Galaxy S21 series in 2021, the company began promoting Google Messages as the default on many devices. Newer models, including the Galaxy S25 and S26 series, ship with Google Messages pre-installed as the primary app, and the S26 lineup skipped Samsung Messages entirely. The July 2026 cutoff will remove the app from the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store, preventing new downloads.

Devices running Android 11 or older remain unaffected, but users on Android 12 and newer will lose the ability to send or receive standard SMS and MMS messages through Samsung Messages after the discontinuation date, except for emergency service numbers or predefined emergency contacts. Samsung has not yet specified the exact day in July, advising users to check the app for precise timing.

The decision aligns Samsung more closely with Google’s broader Android strategy, particularly around Rich Communication Services, or RCS. Google Messages offers enhanced RCS features, including high-quality media sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, reactions and improved end-to-end encryption in supported chats. The app also integrates Gemini AI tools for smarter replies and scam detection, features that Samsung Messages lagged in updating.

Industry analysts view the change as practical for both companies. By ceding messaging responsibilities to Google, Samsung can focus engineering resources on hardware innovation, One UI customization and other core Galaxy experiences. For Google, the shift standardizes RCS across more Android devices, especially important after Apple enabled RCS support in iMessage, improving cross-platform texting between Android and iPhone users.

Samsung has assured users that data migration will be seamless during the switch. Conversations, contacts and message history should transfer without loss when setting Google Messages as the default. To make the change, users can open Google Messages, tap the prompt to set it as the default SMS app, or navigate through Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app on their Galaxy device.

Some users have expressed nostalgia for Samsung Messages, praising its cleaner integration with One UI themes, quick reply options and occasional exclusive features. Online forums buzzed with mixed reactions, with some lamenting the loss of a Samsung-branded experience while others welcomed the consistency and faster feature rollout from Google. A common complaint in recent years was that Samsung Messages stopped receiving major RCS updates on certain carriers, pushing users toward Google’s app anyway.

The transition comes at a pivotal time for mobile messaging. With RCS now bridging the gap between Android and iOS, Google Messages serves as a more universal platform. Features like satellite-based texting, already hinted at in Google’s roadmap, could further enhance reliability in areas with poor cellular coverage. Samsung’s move ensures its vast Galaxy user base — hundreds of millions worldwide — benefits from these advancements without fragmentation.

For existing Samsung Messages users, the company recommends acting soon to avoid any disruption. After July 2026, the app will no longer function for regular messaging on supported devices. Samsung has begun displaying in-app notifications and on-screen prompts guiding users through the switch, including step-by-step instructions and links to download Google Messages if needed.

The change primarily affects the U.S. market in the initial announcement, though similar shifts are expected in other regions as Samsung harmonizes its global software strategy. Carriers have largely embraced Google Messages for RCS certification, simplifying backend support and reducing compatibility issues that sometimes arose with dual messaging apps.

Privacy and security considerations also factor into the decision. Google Messages benefits from Google’s extensive infrastructure for spam filtering, phishing protection and regular security updates. The app’s integration with Google’s ecosystem allows features like message syncing across Android phones, tablets and even web access via messages.google.com.

Samsung emphasized that the discontinuation does not impact other core Galaxy apps or services. Users can continue enjoying One UI features, Bixby routines and device-specific customizations. The company will maintain support for emergency messaging capabilities during the wind-down period.

Tech observers note this fits a broader industry pattern of OEMs streamlining software to reduce maintenance overhead. Similar moves have occurred with other pre-installed apps as manufacturers partner more deeply with Google for core Android experiences. For Samsung, the focus remains on hardware leadership, foldables, AI enhancements like Galaxy AI and ecosystem integration with wearables and smart home devices.

As the July deadline approaches, Samsung is expected to ramp up awareness campaigns, possibly through Galaxy Store notifications, email alerts to registered users and support articles. Community forums and social media will likely see increased guides on backing up messages and troubleshooting any temporary RCS hiccups during the switch.

For most users, the change should feel incremental rather than disruptive. Many Galaxy owners already use Google Messages as default, especially on recent flagships. Those who preferred Samsung Messages can prepare by exporting any unique settings or themes before the cutoff.

The announcement underscores the maturing Android ecosystem, where collaboration with Google on foundational services allows manufacturers like Samsung to deliver polished, feature-rich devices without reinventing every wheel. Google Messages, with its cross-device continuity and rapid iteration, now becomes the unified messaging hub for Galaxy smartphones.

Users with questions can visit Samsung’s support pages or the official Samsung Messages announcement site for detailed migration steps. Google also offers comprehensive help resources for setting up RCS chats and optimizing the app experience.

In an era of rapid technological change, Samsung’s decision to retire its Messages app reflects a pragmatic choice: prioritize user experience through standardization while freeing internal teams to innovate elsewhere. As July 2026 nears, Galaxy users have ample time to make the switch and enjoy an upgraded, future-proof messaging platform.

The move is expected to affect a significant portion of Samsung’s user base still on older devices or those who manually installed Samsung Messages. With roughly 12 weeks remaining from early April announcements, the company urges proactive migration to prevent any last-minute issues.

Overall, the transition promises a more consistent Android messaging experience across devices and carriers, benefiting everyday users with richer features and better interoperability in a multi-platform world.

How to Switch to Google Messages on Galaxy Devices:

1. Download or open Google Messages from the Google Play Store.
2. Tap “Set as default” when prompted.
3. Alternatively, go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > SMS app and select Google Messages.
4. Enable RCS chat features in Google Messages settings for enhanced functionality.

For the latest updates, check Samsung’s official announcement page or Google’s Messages support resources. The change does not affect users on very old Android versions.

Amid persistent global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, market sentiment continues to be weighed down by sustained foreign outflows. However, experts suggest that the current market phase is being driven more by liquidity constraints than stretched valuations, even as underlying domestic resilience remains intact.

Responding to whether valuations could correct further, Abhay Agarwal from Piper Serica highlighted the outsized role of foreign portfolio investor (FPI) selling in shaping market direction.

“Our biggest problem has been consistent FPI selling, which has not halted and keeps worsening every month. If DIIs had not supported the market, the Nifty could have fallen below 20,000.”

Despite these pressures, he noted that investor confidence in India remains intact, even as the country underperforms other emerging markets.

“Despite incessant FPI selling and multiple challenges like geopolitics and tariffs, investors continue to have faith in the market.”

Liquidity Could Trigger Sharp Rebound
Agarwal pointed out that India’s relatively shallow market structure means even small inflows can drive sharp upside moves, making it difficult to maintain a bearish stance.
“In a shallow market like India, even small inflows can push indices higher quickly. Any liquidity return can reverse the trend.”
Earnings Recovery Still Key
Looking ahead, he identified earnings growth and liquidity revival as the two key triggers for the next market leg, while remaining constructive on domestic fundamentals.

“We are not very bearish because domestic consumption remains strong, and there are no major inventory or cash flow challenges.”

He also noted that export-oriented companies continue to benefit from currency movements.

Opportunities Beyond the Index

Agarwal cautioned against relying solely on Nifty valuations as a benchmark for investment decisions, arguing that broader market opportunities are far more compelling.

“Nifty is not the right benchmark for Indian earnings. The real opportunity lies outside Nifty stocks.”

He emphasized that many midcap and smallcap companies are now attractively priced after recent corrections.

“Several midcaps and smallcaps are now available at reasonable valuations after investing in growth over the last five years.”

West Asia Conflict: Sectoral Impact
On the impact of the West Asia conflict, Agarwal indicated that rising crude and input costs are likely to hurt margins in the near term.

“The current quarter will bear the full brunt of high crude prices unless the situation improves.” He warned that sectors dependent on crude derivatives and metals could face pressure, especially if companies are unable to pass on costs. “Margins will be impacted for companies using crude or metals, as passing on costs typically takes time.”

Crisis Also Brings Opportunity
At the same time, Agarwal highlighted that disruptions often create new opportunities, particularly for domestic manufacturers.

“When there is a crisis, there is also an opportunity, especially for companies replacing imports.”He pointed to sectors such as electronics manufacturing, auto components, and specialised pharma outsourcing as key beneficiaries.

“Advanced electronics, auto components, and CDMO/CMO pharma companies are key opportunity areas.”

A More Selective Market Ahead
The broader message for investors is that while macro headwinds persist, the market is becoming increasingly selective. Index-level valuations may not fully capture the opportunities emerging across sectors.

As liquidity conditions evolve and earnings visibility improves, stock-specific strategies—particularly in emerging sectors—are likely to define returns in the coming quarters.

Blokees debuted at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo, presenting over 300 products across 17 IPs. Highlights included new model kits and a focus on community engagement, expanding global reach.

SHANGHAI, April 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From April 2 to 31, the Assembly Character Toys brand Blokees made its debut at the 2026 Thailand Toy Expo. Blokees unveiled its two major categories — Blokees Model Kits and Blokees Wheels, highlighting a diverse product matrix of more than 300 products across 17 globally recognized IPs, including Ultraman, Transformers, DC, Evangelion, Naruto, Minions, Jurassic World, Hatsune Miku, and Hero Infinity. Four new model kits also made their global debut, emerging as key highlights of the event.

Mario Maurer attended the opening ceremony of Blokees Thailand Toy Expo as a special guest and engaged in interactive exchanges with consumers.

In the Blokees Model Kits category, Blokees exhibited its Champion, Legend, and Fantastic Series, featuring popular IPs such as Transformers, DC, Mega Man, Saint Seiya, Evangelion, and Naruto. More than 50 products were presented to consumers. Among them, four newly launched items—including Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-12-Phoenix Ikki, Blokees Saint Seiya-Champion Class-14-Andromeda Shun, Blokees DC-Champion Class 05-Batman (HUSH), and Blokees DC-Champion Class 06-Catwoman (Hush)—drew strong interest from fans.

Blokees also highlighted its HERO5 and HERO10 series, featuring well-known IPs including Transformers, Saint Seiya, and Naruto, catering to consumers of hero-themed collectible models.

The DaaLaMode series introduced a range of products inspired by popular IPs such as Hatsune Miku, appealing to female consumers. Meanwhile, the TERRAVENTURE series presented nature and creature-themed model kits based on Jurassic World, further expanding Blokees’ offerings across different consumer segments.

In the Blokees Wheels category, which integrates construction, play, and customization, products are organized into the C, E, and S series. The lineup includes IP-based offerings from Transformers, Ultraman, and Batman, with upcoming collaborations featuring Fast & Furious and Ford.

In addition, Blokees highlighted its global consumer ecosystem, BFC (Blokees Family Creator). Selected works from 2025 The 3rd BFC Creation Contest Stellar Season were exhibited in Thailand for the first time, reflecting strong user creativity and engagement. 2026 The 4th BFC Creation Contest Season of Awakening has officially launched, further encouraging global participation.

Under its “Universally appealing, Stepwise pricing, Globally promoting” strategy, Blokees continues to expand across Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America. Thailand is rapidly becoming a strategic hub in its regional expansion, as the company strengthens both product innovation and community-driven growth worldwide.

Source : Blokees made its debut at 2026 Thailand Toy Expo, exhibiting multiple products

The information provided in this article was created by Cision PR Newswire, our news partner. The author's opinions and the content shared on this page are their own and may not necessarily represent the perspectives of Thailand Business News.

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Apple is reportedly preparing a major design breakthrough for its long-rumored foldable iPhone, with new leaks pointing to a cutting-edge 3D-printed hinge.

This innovation could directly address one of the biggest flaws in foldable smartphones: the visible screen crease.

3D-Printed Hinge Could Redefine Foldable iPhone Design

According to a Weibo post from Fixed-focus digital cameras, Apple plans to integrate advanced 3D printing technology into the hinge mechanism of its foldable iPhone. This would allow for extremely precise engineering. In addition, this would reduce stress on the display and minimize the crease that typically forms along the fold.

The hinge is also rumored to incorporate premium materials, including liquid metal and dual-layer glass. These components could improve both durability and flexibility, ensuring the device withstands repeated folding while maintaining a smooth display surface.

Inspired by Existing Foldable Innovations

While Apple’s approach sounds groundbreaking, it builds on concepts already explored in the industry. Companies like Oppo have used layered materials and precision engineering to reduce crease visibility in their foldable devices.

However, Apple’s reputation for refining existing technology suggests it may take this concept further, delivering a more polished and reliable solution that improves both form and function.

Apple Expands Its Use of 3D Printing Technology.

According to GSMArena, the Cupertino tech titan has gradually increased its use of 3D printing across hardware development. The technology enables faster prototyping, reduced material waste, and more complex component designs that are challenging to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

Applying 3D printing to a hinge system could enable a thinner, lighter, and more durable foldable device, key factors in making foldables more practical for everyday use.

Achieving Seamless Foldable Experience

For all we know, Apple is committed to bringing premium design and user experience through this feature. If successful, the foldable iPhone could rival or even surpass existing devices in both aesthetics and performance.

Originally published on Tech Times

SYDNEY — Australians consumed just 9.8 litres of pure alcohol per capita in 2023–24, the latest official figures show, continuing a long-term decline in drinking habits that health experts say is accelerating in 2026 amid heightened wellness awareness and generational shifts.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported 217.1 million litres of pure alcohol available for consumption nationwide in the 2023–24 financial year, a 3.7 per cent decrease from 225.5 million litres the previous period. Per capita availability fell from 10.5 litres in 2022–23 to 9.8 litres, one of the lowest levels recorded in recent decades.

Industry projections for the 2025–26 period forecast total alcohol consumption rising modestly by 1.7 per cent to approximately 236.5 megalitres, driven almost entirely by population growth rather than any rebound in individual drinking. Per capita figures are expected to hover near or slightly below 10 litres, with some analysts predicting a further 0.6 per cent decline.

Younger Australians are at the forefront of the change. A Flinders University study examining more than two decades of data from over 23,000 participants found Generation Z nearly 20 times more likely to abstain from alcohol than Baby Boomers, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Weekly consumption has fallen across younger cohorts, though occasional binge drinking persists in some groups.

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey reinforces the pattern. About 77 per cent of Australians aged 14 and over reported drinking in the past 12 months, but daily drinking has dropped to 5.4 per cent. Risky drinking levels — exceeding national guidelines for long-term harm — affected 32.3 per cent of adults over 18 in 2022–23, down from 40.2 per cent two decades earlier. Underage drinking has plummeted, with only 31 per cent of 14- to 17-year-olds consuming alcohol in the previous year, compared with 69 per cent in 2001.

Health authorities link the decline to multiple drivers. Greater public awareness of alcohol’s connections to cancer, liver disease and mental health issues has prompted many to cut back. Updated national guidelines emphasize lower intake, while cost-of-living pressures make premium or frequent drinking less affordable. Sales of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages have surged nearly 20 per cent in recent periods, with no-alcohol beer and spirits gaining strong traction, especially among those under 35.

Market data reflects these shifts. The Australian alcoholic beverages sector reached USD 33.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 2.14 per cent through 2034, reaching about USD 40.3 billion. Growth comes primarily from premiumisation — consumers opting for higher-quality or craft products — and innovation in ready-to-drink options rather than increased volume. Beer remains dominant but full-strength varieties face headwinds, while low- and no-alcohol lines now account for around 9 per cent of the market.

Wine exports tell a similar story. The value of Australian wine shipments fell 8 per cent in 2025 to A$2.34 billion, hurt by softer global demand and domestic moderation trends. Exports to China, a key market, dropped 17 per cent. Domestically, winemakers contend with oversupply, leading some regions to rationalize vineyards.

Ready-to-drink beverages and spirits have shown more resilience. Roy Morgan data indicated that 64.9 per cent of adults aged 18 and over consumed alcohol in an average four-week period in the year to September 2025, a slight dip from pandemic highs but with RTDs continuing to grow in popularity. Off-premise channels, including supermarkets and bottle shops, now handle about 60 per cent of sales as more people drink at home.

Despite overall progress, challenges remain. Alcohol continues to contribute significantly to the burden of disease, accounting for 4.1 per cent of total disability-adjusted life years in recent Australian Burden of Disease studies. Men in their 60s report higher rates of risky consumption at 44 per cent, while those in their 50s sit at 32.3 per cent — above the national average of 30.7 per cent for adults over 18. Women in their 50s show 28 per cent risky drinking levels.

One in five Australians experienced some form of harm — verbal, physical or fear-based — from someone else’s drinking in recent survey periods, with women reporting increased exposure. Road accidents, hospitalisations and family violence linked to alcohol remain public health priorities.

Government policies aim to support moderation. Excise taxes on alcohol increase twice yearly, raising prices and discouraging heavy use. Campaigns promoting “dry” months or mindful drinking have gained traction, particularly among men seeking improved energy, sleep and mental clarity. Some workplaces now routinely offer alcohol-free social events.

Industry players are adapting. Major brewers, distillers and winemakers have expanded low- and no-alcohol portfolios to capture the moderation market. Craft producers focus on unique experiences and quality to justify premium pricing. Retailers note regional variations: stronger preferences for traditional full-strength beer persist in Victoria and Tasmania, while lighter options perform better in Queensland and Western Australia.

Demographic divides stand out clearly. Older Australians, especially those over 70, maintain higher weekly consumption patterns, though even this group has reduced intake modestly over time. Men continue to drink more heavily on average than women. Socioeconomic status and geographic remoteness also influence habits, with wastewater analysis studies sometimes revealing higher consumption in certain regional areas.

Public health experts view the trends as encouraging but stress the need for sustained effort. The 2019–2028 National Alcohol Strategy set targets for reducing harmful consumption, including a 10 per cent drop in risky single-occasion and lifetime drinking. While progress has been made, pockets of heavy use persist, particularly among middle-aged and older cohorts.

Educators and community groups highlight the value of early intervention. Later initiation of drinking — the average age rising from 14.7 years in 2001 to 16.1 years in recent data — correlates with lower lifetime risk. Schools and parents increasingly discuss alcohol openly, moving away from earlier normalisation of underage drinking.

As 2026 progresses, the cultural conversation around alcohol continues evolving. More Australians, especially younger ones, view sobriety or moderation as empowering rather than restrictive. Fitness trends, mental health awareness and social media discussions about “sober curious” lifestyles amplify the shift.

For the alcohol industry, adaptation is key. Those investing in innovation and lower-alcohol alternatives are better positioned to thrive in a market where volume growth is limited but value can still be found through premium and functional beverages.

Health organisations continue advocating for stronger measures, including tighter advertising restrictions and minimum unit pricing, to accelerate gains. They point to the clear public health dividend: fewer hospital admissions, reduced violence and lower long-term disease burden.

In summary, Australia’s alcohol consumption landscape in 2026 reflects a maturing society increasingly prioritising health over heavy drinking. With per capita intake at historic lows and younger generations leading by example, the trajectory points toward continued moderation — even as total market value grows through smarter, more selective consumption.

The latest figures offer cautious optimism. While alcohol-related harm has not vanished, measurable progress over two decades demonstrates that cultural and policy changes can reshape deeply ingrained habits. Ongoing monitoring by the AIHW and other bodies will track whether the downward per capita trend holds as economic and social pressures evolve.

Key Statistics at a Glance:

• Per capita pure alcohol: 9.8 litres (2023–24)
• Total pure alcohol available: 217.1 million litres (2023–24, down 3.7%)
• Past-year drinkers (14+): 77%
• Daily drinkers: 5.4%
• Risky long-term drinking (18+): 32.3% (down from 40.2% in 2004)
• Underage (14–17) past-year drinking: 31% (down from 69% in 2001)
• Gen Z abstention likelihood: Nearly 20 times higher than Baby Boomers

For the most current data, refer to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports and National Drug Strategy Household Survey releases.

This article was written by

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