Google Messages read receipts redesign gets a bit bolder

Abner Li | Jan 25 2025 - 1:40 pm PT

Still in testing, Google Messages has made a small color tweak to the upcoming redesign of RCS read receipts that makes the indicator bolder.

The original design had the circular background of the read receipts match the rest of the bubble. Meanwhile (in dark theme), the checkmarks (and ellipsis) were white like the text of your message.

Recently, Google Messages updated the design so that read receipts stand out a great deal more by having a white background. This aids visibility, but is a bit bold, especially if your message is on the shorter side.

Old vs. new

Google Messages started rolling out the read receipts redesign in August. The indicator moved from the bottom-right corner of the message bubble, while you now view timestamps and end-to-end encryption status by swiping left.

Ellipsis	Sending
Single check with ring	Sent
Double check with ring	Delivered
Double check solid circle	Read

More beta users got the server-side update in November, but it’s not yet widely rolled out. On one of our phones, the new receipts are only live in the main message list/homepage, while it’s unchanged in actual conversations.

This bolder color tweak rolled out earlier this week for Google Messages users that have the new read receipts.