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.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-25
Google Messages is widely rolling out a redesigned long-press menu to users on the stable app, moving action items like Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete and Info into a floating list near the selected message instead of a top toolbar. The update also adds selective text copying, letting users drag selection handles to copy only part of a message rather than the whole thing. The feature had previously been available only to beta testers since August, and reports suggest it now appears on both Pixel and Samsung devices.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-25
Multiple users, including on Reddit and Android Authority's own test devices, report that the built-in camera in Google Messages either fires the LED flash too early, producing dark photos, or fails to trigger it at all. The bug appears across stable and beta versions of the app, on different phone models and carriers, and has reportedly been occurring for over a month. The flash works normally in other camera apps and outside the Messages interface, indicating the fault is specific to Google Messages' in-chat camera.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-24
Google is testing a redesigned search experience in Google Messages that shows preview rows of shared photos, videos, links, and places directly on the search homepage, rather than requiring users to tap into separate filter categories. The beta also adds the ability to search within a specific conversation from the main search page and see every matching text message without switching between chats. These changes were found in Google Messages beta version 20260917 through an APK teardown.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-22
Google has started sending automated texts to Google Messages users through the app's business chat feature, promoting new app features like RCS photo and video quality. The messages appear as a verified conversation from 'Google Messages' but only allow pre-set replies, not user responses. Users can opt out by declining a prompt that appears before the texts begin, or unsubscribe later if they've already accepted.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-22
An APK teardown of a recent Google Messages beta build reveals an unreleased interface change that relocates the Gemini shortcut to the top header, replacing the current search icon there. The Start Chat button shifts from the bottom-right corner to the bottom-center of the screen, and a new Search button joins it at the bottom, both expanding and collapsing based on user scrolling behavior.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-22
Google is quietly expanding its chat themes feature in Google Messages beyond RCS conversations to include standard SMS texts, according to a Reddit user's discovery confirmed on a Pixel 6a. Users can access the feature through the three-dot menu or contact info page, though Google hasn't published official documentation about the rollout.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-18
Google is rolling out a business chat feature in Google Messages that automatically texts users about new app features and updates. A poll of over 1,800 Android Authority readers found more than half consider it unwanted bloat, while roughly a fifth called it a promising addition and the rest are withholding judgment until they see how it works.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-18
Android Authority polled over 2,500 readers on Google Messages' new chat theme feature, which lets users customize individual RCS conversations with colors, preset wallpapers, or personal images visible only on their own device. The results split nearly evenly: 36% said they'd long wanted the feature, 33% were undecided but willing to try it, and just over 31% said they'd never use it.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-08
GrapheneOS is rebuilding its Messaging app with a new Android Compose interface, along with numerous fixes and improvements. The project also confirmed plans to implement RCS messaging natively, eventually letting users message over RCS without depending on Google Messages, and it's developing a secure paste feature to stop apps from reading clipboard data left by other apps.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-07
Google is extending its Sensitive Content Warning system, currently used in Google Messages, into the native Android Photo Picker. The feature relies on Android System SafetyCore, which analyzes images and videos on-device to flag likely nudity before a user shares them through any app that adopts the Photo Picker.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-07
Google's newly launched chat theme feature in Messages, which lets users set custom backgrounds for individual conversations, is causing problems for some users just weeks after its August rollout. Reports include the feature randomly disappearing and reappearing, wallpapers taking one to two seconds to load, and occasional freezing when selecting themes. Google has acknowledged the issue on Reddit and pointed users toward a possible Play Store update fix.
androidauthority.com
· 2026-09-04
GoKawiil