Google Messages’ New Features for March 2026
▼ Summary
– Google Messages is currently testing several new features in beta, including a Trash folder that holds chats for 30 days and real-time location sharing via Find Hub.
– End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones and Android devices is being tested, with both platforms displaying a lock icon to indicate encryption.
– A redesigned interface is rolling out, moving read receipts to message bubbles and introducing a new floating menu with haptic feedback when long-pressing content.
– On-device Gemini Nano is being deployed for advanced scam detection on select flagship phones, analyzing complex conversational threats like romance baiting scams.
– Several features have recently launched in the stable version, including the return of RCS edit history and a redesigned, less prominent “Remix” button for images.
Google Messages continues to evolve, introducing a suite of new features designed to enhance user security, communication, and overall experience. While the app is known for its gradual rollout process through A/B testing, several significant updates are now emerging in beta and stable channels for March 2026.
A new Trash folder is appearing for some users, offering a 30-day grace period before deleted chats are permanently removed. This folder is accessible from the account menu, providing a safety net for accidental deletions.
Real-time location sharing, powered by Find Hub, is joining the existing one-time location feature. Users can select a duration, such as one hour, today only, or a custom time, from an inline interface. Once sent, a rich, expandable map appears directly within the conversation thread.
A major step forward in cross-platform messaging is the testing of end-to-end encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android devices. As seen in the latest iOS beta, this integration will display a lock icon at the start of the thread in both Google Messages and Apple’s Messages app, signaling a secure connection.
The interface for read receipts is getting a subtle redesign. They now appear in a small circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. Swiping left reveals timestamps and the encryption status, while swiping right offers a quick reply option. This design, first spotted in 2024, is now reaching wider availability.
In group RCS chats, the ability to use @mentions is slowly expanding. This feature ensures a person gets notified even if their chat notifications are muted, making it easier to grab attention in busy conversations.
The long-press menu has been refreshed. Instead of a toolbar, it now opens as a floating menu with a blurred background and haptic feedback, partially centering the selected message or image for better focus.
Among features now launching more broadly in the stable version is Gemini-powered Scam Detection. Leveraging on-device Gemini Nano on latest flagship phones in the US, Canada, and UK, this system aims to identify complex conversational threats. It is designed to detect the nuanced patterns of sophisticated scams, such as fraudulent job offers or long-term “pig butchering” romance scams, which build false trust before exploiting victims financially.
The Edit History feature for RCS messages has returned. Users can long-press an edited message and select “View details” to see its revision history.
Finally, a minor but noticeable tweak has been made to the image remix tool. The “Remix” button, denoted by a banana emoji, is now smaller when long-pressing an image. In the fullscreen viewer, the button has been moved to the bottom row to avoid obstructing the picture, though the playful banana branding remains intact.
(Source: 9to5Google)
