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

Like different Google apps, Messages for Android A/B exams many options. It could possibly take the RCS/SMS consumer a reasonably very long time to truly launch new performance in secure. From numerous studies, Google bulletins, and gadgets we’ve checked, that is the present state of Messages.

Replace 3/22:

Nonetheless rolling out (beta)

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

[Announced] Trash folder

Chats will now “keep within the trash for 30 days earlier than they’re deleted.” You possibly can entry this new folder from the account menu. That is nonetheless rolling out regardless of the official announcement.

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[New] Faucet to Draft

This new choice cuts down on by chance sending Sensible Replies. After enabling in Settings > Options, tapping a Sensible Reply will place it within the textual content subject 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 gadgets. iOS customers will see a lock at the beginning 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 huge beta and secure availability.

EllipsisSendingSingle examine with ringSentDouble examine with ringDeliveredDouble examine stable 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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Latest launches (secure)

[New] Actual-time location sharing

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

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

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

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[New] @mentions in group RCS chats

This skill 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 complicated conversational threats” on the newest flagship Android telephones in US, Canada, and UK. This consists of the Pixel 10 collection, Galaxy S26, and different choose gadgets. It’s rolling out now.

…it could higher detect the delicate conversational patterns utilized in job supply scams or subtle romance baiting scams (also referred to as “pig butchering”), a misleading tactic the place a scammer builds a long-term “relationship” with a possible sufferer to achieve 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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Edit Historical past in Particulars web page

RCS edit historical past is as soon as once more obtainable. Lengthy-press on an edited message to “View particulars.”

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