Samsung to Discontinue Quick Measure and AR Doodle Apps by 2026
The company promises improved versions will return in the future.
1Samsung Announces App Shutdowns
Samsung has notified users that it will discontinue the Quick Measure and AR Doodle apps on December 31, 2026. The company acknowledges potential inconveniences but promises to bring back improved versions. This follows Samsung's July shutdown of its Messages app, which was replaced by Google Messages. The warnings appeared on September 7, 2026, spotted by users on social media platform X.
2Quick Measure App Details
The Quick Measure app, currently compatible with Wear OS, will stop receiving updates and new downloads after the shutdown date. While existing installations will continue to function, some features may become unreliable. Samsung explicitly states it won't provide support for future Wear OS versions. The app originally launched in 2021 as part of Samsung's health tracking features, allowing quick heart rate measurements without opening the full S Health app.
3AR Doodle's Fate
AR Doodle, Samsung's augmented reality drawing app, faces the same December 2026 termination. Unlike Quick Measure, this app depends on Android/One UI updates rather than Wear OS. User reactions on social media show mixed feelings about the discontinuation, with some expressing disappointment. Samsung hasn't clarified whether the returning versions will be upgrades or completely new applications replacing these services.
4Samsung's Commitment to Improvement
While acknowledging user inconvenience, Samsung emphasizes its commitment to reintroducing enhanced versions of these services. The company hasn't specified whether the improvements will come as standalone apps or integrated features within existing platforms like Samsung Health. This approach mirrors industry trends where companies consolidate features into core applications rather than maintaining separate, specialized apps.
5Historical Context of App Discontinuations
Samsung's app shutdown strategy isn't new. The company discontinued its Messages app in July 2026, transitioning users to Google Messages. However, devices running Android 11 or older remained unaffected. This pattern reflects Samsung's broader effort to streamline its software offerings and reduce maintenance overhead while partnering with specialized providers like Google for core functionalities.
6User Reactions and Impact
Social media reactions to the announcements reveal that while Quick Measure had limited active users, AR Doodle had a more dedicated following. Tech analysts note that many of Quick Measure's functions are now redundant with Samsung Health's advanced capabilities. The phased approach gives users three years to adapt, minimizing disruption compared to immediate shutdowns seen with some competitor services.
7Industry Trends in App Lifecycles
Samsung's move reflects broader industry patterns where tech companies regularly evaluate and sunset underutilized applications. Google, Microsoft, and Apple have similar histories of discontinuing niche apps to focus resources on core products. The three-year notice period is unusually long in the industry, suggesting Samsung wants to avoid backlash from even small user groups attached to these services.
8Future of Samsung's App Ecosystem
The planned discontinuations signal Samsung's strategic shift toward more integrated, sustainable app offerings. By promising improved returns rather than permanent removals, the company balances innovation with user expectations. This approach may become a model for how large tech firms manage their application portfolios while maintaining customer trust through transparent communication about changes.