Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It may take a long time 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 5/16:
Still rolling (beta)
These are Messages features that Google has announced or discovered in the wild beta users.
(New) Read receipts redesign II
In recent weeks, Google Messages reverted to two circular read receipts below the message design after testing a single circle inside a bubble.
Google is now testing a variant that uses the old icons but carries the time stamp and encryption lock. Now you view this information by swiping left and direct answers by swiping right.
Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July
In the US, Samsung is forcing users to switch to Google Messages. On Android 14+, Google’s RCS app will “automatically move to your home screen dock” after migration.
Messages for web to remove QR code pairing
In the future, Messages for web users will need to use a Google Account login. As of the end of April, the QR code method is still available.
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.
Redesign of reading receipts I
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 existence.
| 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) Selfie GIF appears in sequence
Fixed an issue where the ‘Selfie GIF’ option would not appear consistently in the Google ‘plus’ menu every time you opened attachments. This resulted in the “One Time Location” shortcut moving between spots, thereby affecting muscle memory. This is fixed in stable version 20260428_00_RC02.
(New) Encrypted RCS for Android and iPhone with iOS 26.5
On May 11, Apple released iOS 26.5 with end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS. Chats/messages between Android and iOS users cannot be read by anyone else as they are sent between phones.
Google Messages users will still see the lock when talking to someone on their iPhone. The iOS Messages app will display “Text Message · RCS | (lock icon) Encrypted” in the center of the screen.
Encrypted RCS “will be automatically enabled for new and existing RCS conversations over time.” Apple says it’s “available on supported carriers and rolling out over time.” make sure you run latest version Google Messages. Supported carriers are: mentioned here.
In the US, this is AT&T, Boost Mobile, C Spire, Cellcom Wisconsin, Consumer Cellular, Cox Mobile, Cricket, Family Mobile, FirstNet, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Nex-Tech Wireless, PureTalk, Red Pocket, Spectrum, Strata, T-Mobile USA, TracFone, Ultraight Mobile, US Talk C, Veriless. Visible and Xfinity Mobile.
Trash folder
Conversations will now “remain in the trash for 30 days before being deleted.” You can access this new folder from the account menu.
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.
The group is @mentioned in 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.
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