What Google Messages features are rolling out [U]

Like most Google apps, Messages A/B tests many features. However, it takes the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch these capabilities in stable even after they are announced. From various reports, Google itself, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.

Update 11/2:

Still rolling out (beta)

These are Messages features that Google announced or have been spotted in the wild by beta users.

Read receipts redesign

Following the last redesign in early 2023, another revamp places read receipts in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles (and images).

You swipe left to see all timestamps and the end-to-end encryption status, while you swipe left to reply/quote a message.

Current vs. redesign

Dual SIM RCS support

More than one SIM card will appear as “Connected” in Settings > RCS chats. This will aid international RCS adoption. It started rolling out in January but was later pulled, with more reports this August. As of late October, many more people — including in the US and physical + eSIM — are seeing it.

Enhanced scam detection

An on-device ML model allows for improved analysis and discovery of “scam texts that may seem harmless at first but can eventually lead to fraud.” Google Messages will warn you or automatically move the message into the spam folder. This is rolling out to beta users that have the existing spam protection setting enabled, starting with “package delivery and job seeking messages” that fit this pattern.

‘Your profile’ name and photo settings

“Profile sharing” — previously “Profile discovery” — lets you set who can see your name and picture with three options: 

• People you message: Your profile is visible to people after you send them a message.
• Only your contacts: Your profile is visible to people after you send them a message, but only if they’re in your contacts.
• No one: Your profile isn’t made visible to anyone after you send a message.

You will be able to access this page from a new “Your profile” item when you tap the avatar menu.

RCS status indicator tweak

From “RCS message” to “(RCS)”: More

Photo preview screen

After taking a picture using the inline camera, you’re taken to a new attachment screen instead of the image immediately appearing in the compose box. You get a fullscreen preview with the ability to “Write a message…” “Send” is in the corner, as well as “Add more” to take you back to the conversation and attach more. This intermediary screen is similar to WhatsApp and other messaging apps.

Camera face filters

Earlier this year, Google Messages rolled out a custom camera. There’s now a new button to the left of the shutter that opens to the front-facing camera, but the filters also work on the rear lens. You can take a picture or record a video (long-press on shutter or switch to the tab) with filters. There are nine options, including one that removes wrinkles from under your eyes, adds glasses, hats, and turns you into a bunny or dinosaur.

Recent launches (stable)

• Google Account Device pairing
• Magic Compose
• Photomoji
• Revamped Contact Details page 
• Reaction Effects
• Profiles
• Custom Bubbles and backgrounds
• Selfie GIF
• Single-line text field
• Voice recorder redesign with noise cancellation + Voice Moods
• Larger contact photos
• Show expressive animations
• New “Select recipients” conversation picker
• RCS photo with text caption redesign
• Full RCS Messages transfer on Pixel 9
• Group search in new conversations screen
• RCS message editing
• Gemini double FAB

Screen Effects

They were first previewed in late November and made an appearance at the start of this year, particularly around Valentine’s Day but were pulled after that.

• Booo: Tomatoes, with at least three o’s required 
• Congratulations: Balloons and confetti
• Going to the beach: Waves + various objects
• Hahahaha: Tube man. Four ha’s required 
• Rise and shine: The sun, quite charming
• Halloween
• Happy Hanukah
• Happy Thanksgiving
• Merry Christmas

‘Magic Rewrite’ tweak expands text field

The “Magic Rewrite” aspect of Magic Compose that tweaks something you’ve already written is now accessible from the ‘plus’ menu alongside Files, Location, and Schedule Send. This was previously part of the text field, which expands as a result of the removal.

Old vs. new