Samsung Messages may have lost its default status on Galaxy devices to Google Messages, but the app isn’t disappearing anytime soon. In fact, recent findings from the analysis of Samsung Messages APK version 16.1.02.2 hint at a potentially life-saving update: emergency satellite texting. Reddit user Adriaaaaaaanooo discovered strings of code referencing a new “Satellite Mode,” which would allow users to send emergency SMS messages when out of cellular range.
This mode will be limited to basic text messages, without the rich features of RCS such as sending high-quality media, read receipts, or typing indicators.
Samsung Messages previously lost RCS support as the company shifted toward Google Messages, even removing its own app from foldable models last year. However, Samsung appears to be investing in fresh features for its messenger, including birthday reminders, emoji reactions, live location sharing, Now Brief integration, and sticker reactions.
Satellite-based emergency messaging is already offered by major U.S. carriers. T-Mobile’s top-tier plans include T-Satellite at no extra charge, while other users can subscribe for a monthly fee. Verizon also supports the feature on select devices without additional cost. Apple’s iPhone 14 series introduced Emergency SOS via Satellite, initially for emergencies only, but now-thanks to iOS 18-it supports messaging friends and family when off the grid.
If launched, Samsung’s Satellite Mode could make its native app indispensable again, potentially restoring it as the default messaging option on Galaxy devices. With the ability to communicate in remote areas without cell coverage, it might just be the feature that makes the difference when you need it most.
Galaxy device owners can still download Samsung Messages from the Galaxy Store if they want to keep the app handy.