Samsung appears to be preparing Google Photos integration for Gallery as direct OneDrive syncing approaches its September 30 end date.
Samsung appears to be preparing a new cloud backup option for its Gallery app as the company gets ready to end direct Microsoft OneDrive integration. A recent update to Samsung’s Gallery Cloud Sync service points to Google Cloud-based backup, potentially giving Galaxy users a new way to keep their photos and videos synced across devices.
The development comes just weeks before Samsung Gallery’s direct OneDrive integration is scheduled to end on September 30, 2026. Microsoft has confirmed that Samsung Gallery will no longer sync directly with OneDrive after that date.
Samsung Gallery Could Move to Google Cloud
A new version of Samsung’s Gallery Cloud Sync service, reportedly version 1.6.09.31, has appeared with references to backing up Gallery photos, videos and albums to Google Cloud. The updated service description says the cloud-based system is designed to keep Gallery content backed up and synchronised across Samsung devices.
Reports indicate that the new system is closely connected to Google Photos rather than being a completely separate Samsung cloud storage platform. Early testing has reportedly revealed a “Sync with Google” option inside Samsung Gallery, along with controls for selecting albums and checking available Google account storage.
The integration is not yet broadly available. Samsung has also not publicly announced a full rollout timetable, meaning the exact availability and supported Galaxy models could still change.
OneDrive Gallery Sync Ends on September 30
Samsung’s move comes as its long-running Gallery integration with Microsoft OneDrive approaches its end date.
Microsoft has confirmed that Samsung Gallery will stop syncing directly with OneDrive from September 30, 2026. Existing photos and videos already stored in OneDrive will not be deleted, but they will no longer appear inside Samsung Gallery through the existing integration.
Samsung’s own support documentation also confirms that Gallery’s OneDrive sync feature is ending on September 30. Users who want to continue backing up new photos through Microsoft’s service can instead use the OneDrive app and enable its Camera backup function.
This distinction is important because the end of Gallery integration does not mean that users will lose their existing OneDrive photo library.
Google Photos Could Become the New Gallery Backup Option
The reported Google integration could provide a more seamless replacement for Galaxy users who prefer keeping their photos within the Google ecosystem.
Early testing reportedly shows that Samsung Gallery could allow users to connect their Google account, select content for synchronisation and monitor the amount of available Google storage. The setup could also allow photos backed up through Gallery to be accessed through Google Photos.
That would give Galaxy users a more integrated experience than simply installing the Google Photos app and enabling its normal backup feature.
However, Samsung’s Gallery Cloud Sync listing reportedly refers to “Google Cloud”, while reports and testing point specifically towards Google Photos integration. The exact relationship between the two services has therefore not been fully explained by Samsung yet.
What Happens to Existing OneDrive Photos?
Galaxy users currently using Samsung Gallery with OneDrive do not need to assume that their existing cloud library will disappear on September 30.
Microsoft says photos and videos already stored in OneDrive will remain safe and accessible through OneDrive. Users can continue viewing and managing them through the OneDrive app or website.
The change primarily affects the direct connection between Samsung Gallery and OneDrive.
For users who want to continue using Microsoft storage, Microsoft recommends switching to OneDrive’s Camera backup feature. This requires the OneDrive app to have permission to access the phone’s photos and videos and for Camera backup to be enabled.
Samsung’s Cloud Strategy Is Changing Again
Samsung’s cloud strategy for Gallery has changed considerably over the years. The company previously used Samsung Cloud for Gallery synchronisation before moving users towards Microsoft’s OneDrive.
The reported Google Photos integration would represent another major change, potentially making Google’s cloud ecosystem the primary third-party option directly connected with Samsung Gallery.
The move could also make sense for Galaxy users who already use Google Photos as their primary photo backup service. Instead of maintaining separate Samsung Gallery and Google Photos workflows, the new integration could bring the two closer together.
Google Cloud Backup May Roll Out After OneDrive Ends
Reports suggest that Samsung could begin enabling the Google Photos integration around the time OneDrive Gallery support disappears, although Samsung has not confirmed an official launch date.
The timing makes the development particularly significant. If the feature becomes widely available around October 1, Galaxy users could potentially move from Samsung Gallery’s OneDrive integration to Google Photos without having to rely entirely on a separate backup workflow.
For now, however, Galaxy users should treat the Google integration as an upcoming feature rather than a guaranteed replacement that is already available on every device.
Samsung could also limit the feature to specific One UI versions or Galaxy models when the final rollout begins.
What Galaxy Users Should Do Now
Users currently relying on Samsung Gallery and OneDrive should check their backup arrangements before September 30. Existing OneDrive content will remain available, but new photos will need to be backed up through another method once direct Gallery synchronisation ends.
Those who already use Google Photos can continue using its existing Android backup system. Users who prefer OneDrive can switch to the standalone OneDrive Camera backup feature.
If Samsung’s reported Google Photos integration becomes available more widely, Galaxy users may eventually get a third option that brings cloud backup directly into the Samsung Gallery experience.
For now, Samsung Gallery users should wait for the official rollout details before changing their existing backup setup solely because of the reported Google integration.
