GoKawiilGoogle Messages tests overhaul of pinned chat previews and typing indicators
Android Authority found code in a recent Google Messages build showing Google testing a redesigned pinned chats experience. Planned changes include an animated Material 3 Expressive typing indicator that replaces the plain 'typing' text with a moving contact photo, plus thumbnail previews for images, videos and GIFs instead of generic labels. The teardown also revealed a feature to pin or unpin multiple contacts at once, though none of these features are live yet.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
These changes suggest Google is trying to make its default messaging app feel more visually modern and competitive with rivals like WhatsApp and iMessage, which already show rich previews and animated cues. Because the features were found via app teardown rather than an official announcement, their final design, rollout timing, and availability could still change or be scrapped.
- Google Messages code shows work on animated typing indicators for pinned chats
- Image, video and GIF previews may replace generic text labels in pinned chats
- A bulk pin/unpin feature for multiple contacts was also found, though none are yet live
Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “Google Messages’ pinned chats could soon get a complete overhaul, here’s an early look”
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