Google Messages beta can’t stop asking for emoji reactions (Updated: Google response)

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR A bug in the latest Google Messages beta automatically prompts emoji reactions in chats where the last received message is an image. The issue apparently appears only in the recent v20250406 beta version and not in older stable releases. Google has clarified that this is just a limited experiment for some beta users and doesn’t affect the main Google Messages app. Update: April 9, 2025 (12:45 PM ET): Since the article below was published, Google reached out to clarify that this is just a limited experiment for some beta users. A Google spokesperson gave the following statement: We’re constantly experimenting and testing new ways to improve our products for our users. This feature is a test experiment currently running for a limited group as part of our Google Messages beta programs. Original article: April 9, 2025 (5:00 AM ET): Google Messages is the primary vehicle for RCS messages on Android flagships, and millions of users rely on it. So ... Read full article.