Google Messages is evolving, but are these changes for the better?
Google Messages, like many of its counterparts, is constantly testing and refining its features through A/B testing. However, it can take a considerable amount of time for these new functionalities to make their way into the stable version of the app. As of January 2026, here's a comprehensive overview of the current state of Google Messages, based on official announcements, user reports, and our own testing.
What's New and Upcoming in Google Messages?
- Still in Beta Testing:
1. **Long-Press Menu Makeover:** Say goodbye to the traditional toolbar! Long-pressing on an image or message now brings up a sleek, floating menu, with the content you're viewing partially centered. The background blurs, and you'll feel a satisfying haptic feedback. But here's where it gets controversial: some users argue this new design is less intuitive than the old toolbar. What do you think?
2. **Toned-Down Nano Banana Remix:** Remember the playful banana emoji in the Remix feature? It's been replaced with a more subtle design, and the button is now smaller and located at the bottom of your screen when viewing images in fullscreen. A small change, but one that sparks debate among users who loved the quirky original.
3. **@Mentions in Group RCS Chats:** Need to get someone's attention in a group chat, even if their notifications are muted? @Mentions to the rescue! This feature ensures your message doesn't get lost in the shuffle. And this is the part most people miss: it works across platforms, making it a game-changer for cross-device communication.
4. **MLS Encryption:** With Universal Profile 3.0, Google Messages now supports Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, enabling cross-platform (Android-iOS) RCS with end-to-end encryption (E2EE). To check if it's enabled for a conversation, long-press a message, open the redesigned Details page, and look for the 'Encryption Protocol' section. A value of '1' indicates the new MLS encryption is in use. This raises an important question: will this new encryption standard become the norm, or will it remain a niche feature?
5. **Read Receipts Redesign:** The read receipts have been revamped, now appearing in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. Swipe left to view timestamps and encryption status, or swipe right to reply. The design was tweaked in January 2025 to make the circular background white, making read receipts stand out more. But is this increased visibility a good thing, or does it invade privacy?
- Recently Launched (Stable):
1. **Camera Tweaks:** The camera viewfinder has been resized, now extending into the status bar with rounded corners. The gallery displays two full image rows, with some users seeing a preview of the next row. A small but welcome improvement for shutterbugs.
2. **Bigger Gemini FAB:** The Gemini Floating Action Button (FAB) has been enlarged, in line with Material 3 Expressive guidelines. It now matches the size of the 'Start chat' FAB when scrolling. A subtle change, but one that improves consistency across the app.
3. **Link Preview Redesign:** Link previews, including YouTube videos, have been redesigned with taller cover images and larger page titles. However, the removal of the article snippet has reduced information density, sparking debate among users who valued the previous design.
4. **Leave Unknown Group Chats:** Tired of being added to random group chats? Google Messages now allows you to quickly leave groups initiated by unknown numbers, with options to block and report. A much-needed feature for maintaining control over your messaging experience.
5. **Image Viewer Redesign:** The fullscreen image viewer has been revamped with a blurred background and swipe navigation. Tap to view images in full size, with options in the top-right corner and comments/emojis at the bottom. A more immersive way to view media, but does it go far enough in improving the overall user experience?
The Future of Google Messages: A Community Conversation
As Google Messages continues to evolve, it's essential to consider the impact of these changes on users. Are features like MLS encryption and @mentions truly enhancing communication, or are they creating new complexities? We want to hear from you! Do you think Google is moving in the right direction with these updates, or are there areas where they could improve? Let's start a conversation in the comments below and shape the future of messaging together.
