Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It may take quite a while for the RCS/SMS client to enable new functionality in stable mode. From various reports, Google adsand the devices we check are the current status of these Messages.
Update 3/22:
Still rolling (beta)
These are Messages features that Google has announced or discovered in the wild beta users.
(Announced) Trash can
Conversations will now “remain in the trash for 30 days before being deleted.” You can access this new folder from the account menu. Despite the official announcement, this is still circulating.
(New) Tap to draft
This new option reduces the accidental sending of Smart Replies. After enabling it in Settings > Suggestions, clicking on a Smart Reply before manually hitting the Submit button will place it in the text field to allow further edits.
Encrypted RCS with Android-iPhone
As of iOS 26.4 beta 2, Apple and Google are testing end-to-end encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android devices. iOS users will see a lock at the beginning of the thread, while Google Messages uses the same icon.
Redesign of reading receipts
Read receipts are now placed in a circle in the lower right corner of message bubbles and images. You can swipe left to view timestamps and encryption lock, and swipe right to reply. It appeared first August 2024but now he sees wide beta and stable presence.
| Ellipse | Sending |
| Single check with ring | Sent |
| Double check with the ring | Delivered |
| Double check the solid circle | Read it |
Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing an image or message opens a floating menu, while Google partially centers what you’re looking at. The background blurs while you experience haptic feedback.
Latest releases (stable)
(New) Real-time location sharing
Powered by Find Hub, this joins the existing/named “One Time Location” option which sends a static Google Maps link. Tapping the new green icon in the attachments menu pulls up a map with the option to choose increments: For an hour, Today only, Until you turn this off, or Custom duration.
Send adds an inline map to the chat, and you can expand it to take up most of the screen. There is also a prominent banner at the top of the conversation when sharing is active.
Someone has to start sharing with you to remove the dot from the plus button.
(New) @notes in Group RCS chats
The ability to get people’s attention in group chats “even if their notifications are muted” has been rolling out slowly, but Google has finally made it official.
Fraud Detection powered by Gemini
The device uses Gemini Nano for “more nuanced analysis of sophisticated conversational threats” on the latest flagship Android phones in the US, Canada and the UK. This includes the Pixel 10 series, Galaxy S26 and other select devices. Now it’s spreading.
…it can better detect the subtle patterns of conversation used in job offer scams or sophisticated romance scams (also known as “pork butchering”), a deceptive tactic in which the scammer builds a long-term “relationship” with a potential victim to gain their trust before deceiving them. Since these methods are based on incremental manipulation and do not show typical warning signs, they need more advanced capabilities to scale.
Edit History on the details page
RCS edit history is available again. Long press on the edited message to “see detail”.
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links that generate income. More.
