Google Messages, like many applications within the Google ecosystem, frequently experiments with new features through A/B testing methodologies. However, the rollout of these features from the experimental phase to the stable, widely accessible version often experiences significant delays. Despite announcements and initial appearances in beta versions, the journey to mainstream availability can be protracted. This article provides an update on the current state of several such features, drawing from various user reports, Google’s own communications, and observations across different device configurations.
Enhanced Message Management and Customization
One of the most anticipated additions to Google Messages is the "Delete for everyone" feature. Currently, deleting a message only removes it from the user’s own device. The forthcoming feature will extend this capability to group conversations, allowing users to retract messages from all participants. This functionality is designed to provide greater control over communication and rectify accidental or regrettable sends, particularly within group settings where miscommunication can have wider repercussions.
Beyond individual message control, Google Messages is exploring greater customization options for group chats. Currently, group chats display a collection of up to four small circular profile pictures of the participants. The new feature under testing allows users to set a custom image for the entire group chat, providing a more personalized and cohesive visual identity. Users can check for availability by navigating to Group details or tapping the top bar of the conversation and looking for a pencil icon next to the existing image. This change allows for better visual organization and recognition of specific group chats within a user’s messaging interface.
Safety and Security Enhancements
Recognizing the potential for misuse and the sensitive nature of shared content, Google Messages is actively developing safety features aimed at protecting users from unwanted or harmful imagery. A "Sensitive Content Warning" feature is designed to automatically blur images that may contain nudity. Users are then given the option to delete the image before viewing it, preventing accidental exposure to potentially offensive content. Furthermore, the feature provides reminders about the risks associated with sending nude imagery and helps prevent unintentional sharing or forwarding of such content.
The Sensitive Content Warning feature operates entirely on-device using Android System SafetyCore. This means that no classified content or results are transmitted to Google, ensuring user privacy and data security. Users over the age of 18 can optionally enable this feature within Messages Settings under Protection & Safety, providing a customizable level of control over their messaging experience. This proactive measure underscores Google’s commitment to creating a safer and more responsible messaging environment.
User Interface and Media Sharing Improvements
Google Messages has been experimenting with adjustments to the text input field. After initially limiting the text box to a maximum of four lines, the compose field is now being expanded to accommodate a significantly larger amount of text, with reports of up to 14 lines visible on a Pixel 9a. This increased visibility reduces the need for excessive scrolling within the compose field, streamlining the message composition process, particularly for longer or more complex messages.
Significant improvements are also being made to the media sharing experience. Google Messages is merging the live viewfinder with the camera roll, creating a unified interface for capturing and sharing images and videos. Tapping the "Gallery" icon within a conversation now displays a new UI that includes a live viewfinder alongside 3-6 of the user’s most recent photos and videos. Swiping up reveals additional images, while a new preview screen allows users to add captions before sending.
The existing image picker remains available as a more compact alternative, allowing users to stay within the conversation while selecting media. As part of this redesign, Google Messages is introducing the ability to send pictures and videos in "Original quality," providing greater flexibility and control over media resolution. Users can choose between two media quality options when sending, catering to different bandwidth and storage considerations. While this feature has seen wider availability as of March, including for some stable users, it is not yet fully launched, indicating ongoing testing and optimization.
Read Receipts and Dual SIM Support
Following a redesign in early 2023, Google Messages is implementing further refinements to the visual presentation of read receipts. The latest iteration places read receipts in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. A left swipe reveals timestamps and end-to-end encryption status, while a right swipe allows users to reply to or quote a specific message. This redesign began rolling out in August 2024, with wider adoption observed in November.
In January 2025, Google tweaked the design of the read receipts to feature a white circular background, making them more visually distinct from the message bubble color. This increased prominence aims to improve the clarity and immediacy of read receipt indicators, enhancing user awareness of message status.
For users with multiple SIM cards, Google Messages is improving support for RCS functionality. The application will now display "Connected" status for more than one SIM card in Settings > RCS chats. This enhancement aims to facilitate broader adoption of RCS, especially in international contexts. Although initially rolled out in January 2024, this feature was later retracted, with subsequent reports of wider availability in August. As of late October, many more users, including those in the US with both physical and eSIM configurations, are experiencing improved dual SIM RCS support. In January 2025, an increased number of users reported successful dual SIM RCS enablement.
AI-Powered Features and Scam Detection
Google Messages is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance user experience and combat unwanted content. The application is now designed to consistently display Magic Compose or Magic Rewrite in the row of suggested replies, improving the visibility of these AI-powered writing assistance tools.
To combat spam and unwanted messages, Google Messages is introducing an "Unsubscribe" button for promotional and other non-essential content. This button appears above the text field and is also accessible through the conversation’s overflow menu. Tapping the "Unsubscribe" button sends a "STOP" message to the business sender from the user’s number. The feature is designed to work with various types of senders. When a user unsubscribes, Google Messages will ask "Why are you unsubscribing?" offering options such as "Too many messages," "Not relevant," or "Other." In cases of spam, there is also a "Report this sender" option, providing an additional layer of protection.
Google Messages is incorporating scam detection capabilities to safeguard users from fraudulent activity. Announced in March, the application will "flag conversational text patterns commonly associated with scams," particularly those that "seem harmless, but turn dangerous over time." This on-device analysis generates a "Scam Detection" card that displays a warning such as "Likely scam: Suspicious activity detected. Common scams often start this way." Users can then choose to "Report & block" the sender or tap "Not a scam" if the warning is incorrect. This new measure is integrated into the existing Google Messages Settings under Spam protection. Initially launching in English in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, this feature will expand to more countries in the future.
