Samsung Free Discontinued: Galaxy Users Shift to Samsung News Platform

Samsung has officially ended its Samsung Free service. The content hub was discontinued on December 16, 2025. This move completes a global transition for millions of Galaxy phone users.

The service has been systematically replaced by the newer Samsung News app in key markets. This change marks the end of a feature that began as Bixby Home years ago.

From Free to News: A Phased Global Rollout

Samsung Free was a default app on devices running Android 11 and One UI 3. It aggregated news, live TV, and games into one feed. Users accessed it by swiping left on their home screen.

The phase-out started back in 2023. Samsung News first replaced Free in the United States and Canada. According to Reuters, the new app partners with major publishers like Sky News and Business Insider.

The UK saw the same switch in April 2025. The global discontinuation date confirms the shift is now complete. The older app could not be deleted, only disabled.

What the Change Means for Galaxy Device Owners

The Samsung News platform offers a more personalized experience. It focuses heavily on curated articles from trusted sources. This is a step beyond the general content mix of Samsung Free.

For users, the change is automatic on supported devices. The familiar left-swipe gesture now opens Samsung News. The update aligns with Samsung’s strategy to streamline its software offerings.

The original Samsung Free replaced the earlier “Samsung Daily” feed in 2021. This constant evolution shows Samsung’s effort to refine its built-in services. The goal is to provide more relevant content directly on the device.

The discontinuation of Samsung Free closes a chapter for Galaxy smartphones. Users now have a more news-focused experience at their fingertips. This final shift underscores Samsung’s ongoing software evolution.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How do I disable the Samsung Free app on my phone?

You cannot delete Samsung Free as it is a system app. However, you can disable it through your phone’s settings. This will stop the app from running and using battery in the background.

Q2: What is the difference between Samsung Free and Samsung Daily?

Samsung Free directly replaced Samsung Daily in 2021. The Free service offered a broader mix of content, including games and TV. Samsung News, the latest iteration, focuses primarily on personalized news articles.

Q3: What content is available on the new Samsung News app?

Samsung News provides curated articles from top international and local publishers. Partners include Reuters, The Standard, and Business Insider. The content is personalized based on user reading habits.

Q4: Is the Samsung News app available worldwide?

The app first launched in the US and Canada in 2023. It expanded to the United Kingdom in April 2025. Samsung’s recent discontinuation of Free suggests a wider global rollout is ongoing.

Q5: Why did Samsung discontinue the Samsung Free service?

Samsung discontinued Free to consolidate its content services under the improved Samsung News platform. The newer app offers a more refined and personalized news aggregation experience. This is part of a long-term software strategy.