Samsung is pulling the plug on one of the built-in features on Galaxy phones and tablets. The Samsung News app is being discontinued, and the service will stop working in December 2026.
"Samsung News app discontinued 2026" jumped on Google Trends as Galaxy owners noticed shutdown notices and wondered what will happen to their news feed. Here's everything you need to know.
When Is Samsung News Shutting Down?
According to an in-app notice first seen by users in India and South Korea, Samsung News will shut down at 12:00 a.m. UTC on December 21, 2026. That works out to 7 p.m. Eastern time on December 20 in the United States.
After that date:
- The Samsung News app stops delivering content.
- The Samsung News widget stops receiving updates.
- The home screen news feed and the dedicated media page go away.
The notice has so far appeared in India and South Korea. Tech sites expect the change to reach other markets too, but Samsung has not officially confirmed the timeline for the U.S.
What Happens to Your Data?
Samsung says it will delete user data, including profiles and personalization information, after the shutdown. The exception is data that local laws require it to keep, which will be retained only for the legally required period. Samsung also recommends removing the Samsung News widget from your home screen.
If you've saved articles inside the app, consider opening them in a browser and bookmarking anything you want to keep before the December deadline.
Why Is Samsung Ending Samsung News?
Samsung has not given a specific reason. Tech observers see it as part of a broader effort to trim redundant services, especially those that overlap with Google apps already built into Android. Android Headlines noted that Samsung had stopped adding new content partners about two years ago, a sign the service was being wound down.
Samsung is also shutting down Daily+ on its TVs and smart monitors, another sign the company is narrowing its in-house content offerings.
A Short History of Samsung's News Feed
Samsung News is the latest in a long line of Samsung news and content feeds:
- Bixby Home (2017): The original swipe-left feed on Galaxy phones.
- Samsung Daily (2019): Replaced Bixby Home.
- Samsung Free: Followed Samsung Daily, mixing news, games and free TV.
- Samsung News (2023): Replaced Samsung Free and focused on news.
Each change reshaped the leftmost home screen panel on Galaxy devices, and the December shutdown will likely change it again.
What Will Replace Samsung News?
Samsung has not named an official replacement. However, Android Authority reports that the leftmost One UI home screen panel will likely default to Google Discover, which is already available on supported Galaxy phones and tablets.
Not everyone is happy. Some longtime users said they preferred Samsung News because it felt lighter, with fewer ads and less clutter. Others admitted they never used it at all and already rely on Google or an RSS reader.
Best Samsung News Alternatives
If you used Samsung News every day, here are some options to consider:
- Google Discover: Built into most Android phones and personalized to your interests.
- Google News: A free app with "For you," headlines and local news sections.
- MSN: Microsoft's news aggregator, with customizable topics.
- RSS readers: Apps such as Feedly or Inoreader let you follow specific websites directly, with no algorithm deciding what you see.
- Publisher apps and newsletters: Following trusted outlets directly is often the best way to get reliable news.
Does This Affect Other Galaxy Features?
No. The shutdown applies only to Samsung News and its widget, feed and media page. Your phone's other Samsung apps and services, including the Galaxy Store, Samsung Health and Samsung Wallet, are not part of this announcement. Your phone will keep receiving its normal One UI software updates, and you don't need to do anything to keep using your device as usual. The only change most people will notice is a different feed on the leftmost home screen panel.
How to Prepare Your Galaxy Phone
- Remove the Samsung News widget from your home screen.
- Pick a new news app and set up your interests before December.
- Check your leftmost home screen panel in your home screen settings to choose what appears there.
- Save any articles you want to keep before December 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Samsung News stop working?
At 12:00 a.m. UTC on December 21, 2026, according to Samsung's in-app notice.
Is Samsung News shutting down in the U.S.?
The notice has appeared in India and South Korea. Wider rollout is expected, but Samsung hasn't confirmed U.S. timing.
What replaces Samsung News on Galaxy phones?
Samsung hasn't announced a replacement, but Google Discover is expected to become the default home screen feed.