What new Google Messages features are rolling out [May 2026]

Abner Li | May 16 2026 - 1:38 pm PT

Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.

Update 5/16:

Still rolling out (beta)
Recent launches (stable)

Still rolling out (beta)

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

[New] Read receipts redesign II

In recent weeks, Google Messages has mostly reverted to the two-circle read receipts underneath the message design after trying a single circle within the bubble.

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Google is now testing a variant that uses the old icons but moves the timestamp and encryption lock. You now view that information by swiping left, with direct replies accessed by a right swipe.

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Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July

In the US, Samsung is having users switch to Google Messages. On Android 14+, Google’s RCS app will “automatically shift” to your homescreen dock after the move.

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Messages for web removing QR code pairing

Going forward, Messages for web users will have to use Google Account sign-in. As of late April, the QR code method is still available.

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Tap to Draft

This new option cuts down on accidentally sending Smart Replies. After enabling in Settings > Suggestions, tapping a Smart Reply will place it in the text field to allow for further edits before you manually tap the Send button.

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Read receipts redesign I

Read receipts are now placed in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. You swipe left to see timestamps and the encryption lock, while you can swipe right to reply. This first started appearing in August of 2024, but is now seeing wide beta and stable availability.

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

Long-press menu

Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing on an image or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re viewing. The background gets blurred, while you feel haptic feedback.

[New] Selfie GIF consistently appears

Google has addressed an issue in the ‘plus’ menu where the “Selfie GIF” option would not consistently appear every time you open attachments. It resulted in the “One-time Location” shortcut moving between spots, thus impacting muscle memory. This has been resolved as of stable version 20260428_00_RC02.

[New] Encrypted RCS for Android and iPhone with iOS 26.5

On May 11, Apple rolled out 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 see the same lock as before when talking to those on the iPhone. The iOS Messages app will show “Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted” at the center of the screen.

Encrypted RCS will be “automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.” Apple says this is “available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” Make sure you’re running the latest version of Google Messages. Supported carriers are listed here.

In the US, it’s 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 / Straight Talk, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Visible, and Xfinity Mobile.

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Trash folder

Chats will now “stay in the trash for 30 days before they’re deleted.” You can access this new folder from the account menu.

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Powered by Find Hub, this joins the existing/renamed “One-time Location” option that sends a static Google Maps link. Tapping the new green icon in the attachments menu slides up a map with the ability to select an increment: For one hour, Today only, Until you turn this off, or Custom duration.

Sending adds an inline map to the conversation, which you can expand to take up most of the screen. There’s also a prominent banner at the top of the conversation when sharing is active.

Top comment by twylight

Liked by 23 people

Jfc what is so hard about adding categories for conversations?

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To remove the dot on the ‘plus’ button, somebody has to initiate a share with you.

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@mentions in group RCS chats

This ability to get a person’s attention in group conversations even “if their notifications are muted” has been slowly rolling out, but Google finally made it official.

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