What new Google Messages options are rolling out [April 2026]

Like different Google apps, Messages for Android A/B assessments many options. It may take the RCS/SMS shopper a slightly very long time to really launch new performance in secure. From varied experiences, Google bulletins, and units we’ve checked, that is the present state of Messages.

Replace 4/25:

Nonetheless rolling out (beta)

These are Messages options that Google introduced or have been noticed within the wild by beta customers.

[New] Samsung Messages can be discontinued in July

Within the US, Samsung is having customers swap to Google Messages. On Android 14+, Google’s RCS app will “robotically shift” to your homescreen dock after the transfer. 

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[New] Messages for net eradicating QR code pairing

Going ahead, Messages for net customers must use Google Account sign-in. As of late April, the QR code methodology continues to be obtainable.

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Faucet to Draft

This new possibility cuts down on unintentionally sending Sensible Replies. After enabling in Settings > Ideas, tapping a Sensible Reply will place it within the textual content area to permit for additional edits earlier than you manually faucet the Ship button.

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Android-iPhone encrypted RCS

As of iOS 26.4 beta 2, Apple and Google are testing end-to-end encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android units. iOS customers will see a lock at first of the thread, with Google Messages utilizing the identical icon.

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Learn receipts redesign

Learn receipts are actually positioned in a circle on the bottom-right nook of message bubbles and pictures. You swipe left to see timestamps and the encryption lock, whilst you can swipe proper to answer. This primary began showing in August of 2024, however is now seeing vast beta and secure availability.

EllipsisSendingSingle verify with ringSentDouble verify with ringDeliveredDouble verify strong circleRead

As a substitute of a toolbar, long-pressing on a picture or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re viewing. The background will get blurred, whilst you really feel haptic suggestions.

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Current launches (secure)

[New] Trash folder

Chats will now “keep within the trash for 30 days earlier than they’re deleted.” You’ll be able to entry this new folder from the account menu.

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Actual-time location sharing

Powered by Discover Hub, this joins the prevailing/renamed “One-time Location” possibility that sends a static Google Maps hyperlink. Tapping the brand new inexperienced icon within the attachments menu slides up a map with the flexibility to pick an increment: For one hour, Right this moment solely, Till you flip this off, or Customized period.

Sending provides an inline map to the dialog, which you’ll develop to take up a lot of the display. There’s additionally a distinguished banner on the prime of the dialog when sharing is lively.

To take away the dot on the ‘plus’ button, any individual has to provoke a share with you.

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@mentions in group RCS chats

This capability to get an individual’s consideration in group conversations even “if their notifications are muted” has been slowly rolling out, however Google lastly made it official.

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Gemini-powered Rip-off Detection

On-device Gemini Nano is being leveraged for “extra nuanced evaluation of advanced conversational threats” on the newest flagship Android telephones in US, Canada, and UK. This contains the Pixel 10 collection, Galaxy S26, and different choose units. It’s rolling out now.

…it may higher detect the refined conversational patterns utilized in job supply scams or refined romance baiting scams (often known as “pig butchering”), a misleading tactic the place a scammer builds a long-term “relationship” with a possible sufferer to realize their belief, earlier than tricking them right into a fraudulent funding. As a result of these strategies depend on gradual manipulation and don’t current typical warning indicators, they want extra superior capabilities to catch them at scale.

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