South Korean technology giant Samsung has announced plans to discontinue its Samsung News service on Galaxy smartphones and tablets in India and South Korea from December 21, 2026.
According to details, the company has notified users in both countries that the service will be discontinued at midnight on December 21 (Pakistan Standard Time).
An in-app notification issued on October 26 informed users that the News widget would stop receiving content updates after the shutdown.
Samsung has also advised users to remove the widget from their home screens.
Launched in April 2023, Samsung News replaced the company’s Samsung Free service. The platform provided users with the latest news from various media outlets, sports updates, financial information and personalised content based on their interests.
Following the shutdown, Samsung will permanently delete users’ profiles, news preferences and other personal data stored on the platform. However, certain information may be retained temporarily to comply with legal requirements.
The company has not yet explained the reason behind its decision to discontinue the service.
There is speculation that Samsung could introduce Google Discover as the default news feed on Galaxy smartphone home screens. However, the company has not confirmed any such move.
So far, shutdown notifications have been reported in India and South Korea, while Samsung has yet to announce a final discontinuation date for other markets.
Users will still be able to access news updates through alternative platforms, including Google News and Google Discover.
On October 29, Samsung announced the US launch of its Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on wireless earbuds, featuring an open-ear design, AI-powered calling and hands-free controls.
The earbuds will be available in the United States in early November for $229, with a European launch planned for early 2027.
Unlike traditional earbuds, the Galaxy Buds On attach around the ear rather than sitting inside the ear canal, allowing users to listen to audio while remaining aware of their surroundings.
Samsung says the design was developed using artificial intelligence and computer simulations, drawing on more than 119 million ear-related data points to improve comfort and fit.
