Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. The RCS/SMS client may take some time to release new features in the stable version. From various reports, Google ads, and devices we checked, here is the current status of Messages.
Update 1/9:
Still rolling out (beta)
These are Messages features announced by Google or spotted in the wild by beta users.
Instead of a toolbar, a long press on an image or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re viewing. The background becomes blurred, while you experience haptic feedback.
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Nano Banana Remix toned down
When you long-press on an image, “Remix” in the lower left corner is smaller and no longer has the banana emoji. Also, the full screen viewer no longer overlays the button. Instead, it is moved to the bottom of your screen.
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@mentions in RCS group chats
This allows you to get someone’s attention in group conversations even “if their notifications are turned off.”
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MLS encryption
Universal Profile 3.0 adds support for the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol which makes cross-platform (Android-iOS) end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS possible.
You can check if a conversation is live by long-pressing a message and opening the redesigned Details page. The relevant part for MLS is the “Encryption Protocol” section. The value “0” corresponds to the existing E2EE, while the value “1” corresponds to the upcoming approach.
Redesign of read receipts
Following the last redesign in early 2023, another redesign places read receipts in a circle in the lower right corner of message bubbles (and images). You swipe left to see all timestamps and end-to-end encryption status, while you swipe right to reply/quote a message. Its rollout began in August 2024 and more people received it in November.
| Ellipse | Sending |
| Simple check with ring | Sent |
| Double check with ring | Book |
| Check the full circle again | Read |
In January 2025, Google changed the design to make the circular background white. By no longer matching the color of the bubbles, the read receipts stand out much more.
LR: Current, Redesign, Latest
Recent launches (stable)
(New) Camera adjustments
Google has reduced the height of the camera viewfinder, although it now extends to the status bar. This container features rounded corners. The gallery now displays two full rows of images, while some users may see part of the next row.
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(New) Bigger Gemini FAB
The Gemini FAB (floating action button) is now larger since Material 3 Expressive has made small component sizes obsolete. It now matches the FAB “Start Chat” when you scroll.
Link preview redesign
Link previews, including YouTube, have a new design and larger cover image. The page title is larger, the domain is accompanied by a favicon and a more visible background. However, Google removed the article snippet as part of a downgrade to information density.
YouTube Picture-in-Picture is also back with this redesign, but you can’t open the full app immediately even if you disable Messages’ PiP system permission. You need to put the video in full screen in Messages, then tap the logo in the lower right corner.
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Leave unknown group chats
Google will let you quickly “leave the group” when prompted by an unknown number, with options to block and report. This alert card above the text field explains how “An unknown sender has added you” with the number prominently followed by the number of people in the conversation. Messages will indicate if someone you know is in the thread.
Image viewer redesign
After an initial test in June, Google rolled out a redesign of the Messages image viewer. This full-screen interface features a blurred background and the ability to swipe left/right. Your photo or video is in the center, with a tap to open it in full size. Various options are found in the upper right corner, while the bottom row displays frequent comments and emojis.
Google also updated the way images are grouped in Conversation View.
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