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 5/16:
Still in implementation (beta)
These are Messages features that Google announced or have been discovered by beta users.
(New) Receipt Reading II Redesign
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.
Tap to write
This new option reduces accidentally sending smart replies. After enabling it in Settings > Suggestions, tapping a Smart Reply will place it in the text field to allow further editing before manually tapping the Send button.
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 |
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.
Recent releases (stable)
(New) 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.
(New) 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.
Share location in real time
Powered by Find Hub, this joins the existing or rebranded “Single 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 it off, or custom duration.
Send adds an online map to the conversation, which you can expand to take up most of the screen. There is also a featured banner at the top of the conversation when sharing is active.
To remove the dot on the “more” button, someone must start a process to share with you.
@mentions in RCS group chats
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.
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