Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Update 4/25:
These are Messages features that Google announced or have been spotted in the wild by beta users.
In the US, Samsung is having users switch to Google Messages. On Android 14+, Google’s RCS app will “automatically shift” to your homescreen dock after the move.
Learn more
Going forward, Messages for web users will have to use Google Account sign-in. As of late April, the QR code method is still available.
Learn more
This new option cuts down on accidentally sending Smart Replies. After enabling in Settings > Suggestions, tapping a Smart Reply will place it in the text field to allow for further edits before you manually tap the Send button.
Learn more
As of iOS 26.4 beta 2, Apple and Google are testing end-to-end encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android devices. iOS users will see a lock at the start of the thread, with Google Messages using the same icon.
More
Read receipts are now placed in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. You swipe left to see timestamps and the encryption lock, while you can swipe right to reply. This first started appearing in August of 2024, but is now seeing wide beta and stable availability.
Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing on an image or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re viewing. The background gets blurred, while you feel haptic feedback.
More
Chats will now “stay in the trash for 30 days before they’re deleted.” You can access this new folder from the account menu.
Learn more
Powered by Find Hub, this joins the existing/renamed “One-time Location” option that sends a static Google Maps link. Tapping the new green icon in the attachments menu slides up a map with the ability to select an increment: For one hour, Today only, Until you turn this off, or Custom duration.
Sending adds an inline map to the conversation, which you can expand to take up most of the screen. There’s also a prominent banner at the top of the conversation when sharing is active.
To remove the dot on the ‘plus’ button, somebody has to initiate a share with you.
Learn more
I’m begging Google to add the ability to turn off read receipts for individual contacts. How is it fair that iPhone users can do this, but we can’t?
I’d much rather keep the old read receipt design and add this feature. Instead, Google puts the receipts in the bubble, which just looks cluttered and bad IMO.
This ability to get a person’s attention in group conversations even “if their notifications are muted” has been slowly rolling out, but Google finally made it official.
Learn more
On-device Gemini Nano is being leveraged for “more nuanced analysis of complex conversational threats” on the latest flagship Android phones in US, Canada, and UK. This includes the Pixel 10 series, Galaxy S26, and other select devices. It’s rolling out now.
…it can better detect the subtle conversational patterns used in job offer scams or sophisticated romance baiting scams (also known as “pig butchering”), a deceptive tactic where a scammer builds a long-term “relationship” with a potential victim to gain their trust, before tricking them into a fraudulent investment. Because these methods rely on gradual manipulation and don’t present typical warning signs, they need more advanced capabilities to catch them at scale.
More
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:
Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: [email protected]