GoKawiilGoogle Messages rolls out swipe gesture for timestamps, replacing tap-to-view
Google is rolling out a redesigned Messages interface that lets users swipe left on a chat to reveal timestamps and encryption status for all messages at once, rather than tapping each one individually. Swiping right now triggers a quick reply, while tapping a message simply shows its delivery status. The change was first spotted in development nearly two years ago and is now appearing in version 20260910_03_RC02, according to 9to5Google.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Surfacing metadata for an entire conversation at once, rather than message by message, could make it faster for users to scan through chat history for delivery and timing details. The staggered rollout suggests Google is testing the feature gradually before a full release, which may explain why some users are seeing it while others still see the old tap-based system.
- Swiping left in Google Messages now reveals timestamps and encryption status for all messages in a chat.
- Swiping right lets users quickly reply, while tapping a message now only shows delivery status.
- The redesign, first seen in development in 2024, is rolling out via version 20260910_03_RC02.
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-25
Published there as: “Where’s my timestamp? Google Messages is updating its UI, and users are confused”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.