Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. The RCS/SMS client can take a long time to release new functionality in a stable version. From various reports, google adsand devices we’ve checked, this is the current status of Messages.
Update 6/13:
Still in implementation (beta)
These are Messages features that Google announced or have been discovered by beta users.
Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing on an image or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re looking at. The background becomes blurred and you feel a haptic response.
Update: This long press menu is seeing wider availability in the beta channel, but is not yet widely available.
Receipt reading redesign II
In recent weeks, Google Messages has mostly reverted to two-circle read receipts below the message layout after testing a single circle inside the bubble.
Google is now testing a variant that uses the old icons but moves the timestamp and encryption lock. You can now see that information by swiping left, and direct answers are accessed by swiping right.
Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July
In the US, Samsung is moving users to Google Messages. On Android 14+, Google’s RCS app will “auto-switch” to the base of the home screen after movement.
Messages for the web eliminating QR code pairing
In the future, Messages for web users will need to use your Google account sign-in. As of the end of April, the QR code method is still available.
Receipt reading redesign I
Read receipts are now placed in a circle in the bottom right corner of message bubbles and images. Swipe left to see timestamps and encryption lock, while you can swipe right to reply. This first started appearing in August 2024but now he’s seeing wide beta and stable availability.
| Ellipsis | Shipment |
| Single check with ring | Sent |
| Double check with ring | Delivered |
| Solid Double Check Circle | Read |
Recent releases (stable)
(New) Bolder Voicemail Button
Google now gives the voicemail button a bolder color after previously matching the waveform to the compose field.
Old versus new
(New) Tap to compose
This new option helps reduce accidental Smart Replies. After enabling it in Settings > Tips & Actions > Suggestions, tapping a Smart Reply will place it in the text field to allow further editing before manually tapping the Send button. “Tap to send” is still available and is the default behavior.
Selfie GIF appears constantly
Google has fixed an issue in the “more” menu where the “Selfie GIF” option was not constantly appearing every time you opened attachments. The result was that the “Single Location” shortcut moved between points, affecting muscle memory. This has been resolved as of stable release 20260428_00_RC02.
RCS encryption for Android and iPhone with iOS 26.5
On May 11, Apple released iOS 26.5 with RCS end-to-end encryption (E2EE). No one else can read the chats/messages between Android and iOS users as they are sent between phones.
Google Messages users will see the same block as before when talking to those on the iPhone. The iOS Messages app will display “Text Message · RCS | (lock icon) Encrypted” in the center of the screen.
Encrypted RCS will “automatically be enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.” Apple says this is “available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” Make sure you are running the latest version of Google Messages. Supported operators are listed here.
In the US, it’s AT&T, Boost Mobile, C Spire, Cellcom Wisconsin, Consumer Cellular, Cox Mobile, Cricket, Family Mobile, FirstNet, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Nex-Tech Wireless, PureTalk, Red Pocket, Spectrum, Strata, T-Mobile USA, TracFone / Straight Talk, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Visible and Xfinity Mobile.
trash folder
Chats will now “remain in the trash for 30 days before being deleted.” You can access this new folder from the account menu.
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