Google Messages rolls out new features [May 2026]

Google’s messaging app continues its steady evolution, with a fresh batch of features and refinements now surfacing for Android users. As is typical for the company, many of these changes undergo lengthy A/B testing before reaching the stable channel. Based on recent reports, official announcements, and hands-on checks, here is the current state of Google Messages as of mid-May 2026.

Still rolling out (beta)

Several features remain in beta testing, having been either announced by Google or spotted by users in the wild.

A redesigned read receipts system is seeing a second iteration. After briefly experimenting with a single circle inside the message bubble, Google has largely reverted to the familiar two-circle design placed underneath the message. Now, a new variant keeps those classic icons but moves the timestamp and encryption lock. Users can view this information by swiping left on a message, while swiping right accesses direct replies.

For Samsung users in the US, the transition is becoming more defined. Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July. On devices running Android 14 or later, Google’s RCS app will “automatically shift” to the homescreen dock once the migration completes.

Meanwhile, Messages for web is removing QR code pairing. Going forward, users will need to sign in with their Google Account. As of late April, the QR code method remains available, but its days are numbered.

A new option called Tap to Draft aims to reduce accidental sends. When enabled in Settings > Suggestions, tapping a Smart Reply will place it in the text field for editing, rather than sending it immediately. You then manually tap the Send button.

The first read receipts redesign is also now seeing wider beta and stable availability. This design places read receipts in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. A left swipe reveals timestamps and the encryption lock, while a right swipe allows you to reply. This feature first appeared in August 2024.

The long-press menu has been updated. Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing on an image or message opens a floating menu. Google partially centers the content you’re viewing, blurs the background, and provides haptic feedback.

Recent launches (stable)

Several features have now made it to the stable channel.

A Selfie GIF issue has been resolved. In the ‘plus’ menu, the “Selfie GIF” option would not consistently appear every time you opened attachments. This caused the “One-time Location” shortcut to shift positions, disrupting muscle memory. The fix is live as of stable version 2026042800RC02.

A major milestone arrived on May 11, when Apple rolled out iOS 26.5 with end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS. Chats between Android and iOS users are now encrypted, meaning no third party can read them while they are in transit. Google Messages users will see the same lock icon as before when chatting with iPhone users. The iOS Messages app will display “Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted” at the center of the screen. This feature will be “automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations,” according to Apple. It is “available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” Supported carriers in the US include AT&T, Boost Mobile, C Spire, Cellcom Wisconsin, Consumer Cellular, Cox Mobile, Cricket, Family Mobile, FirstNet, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Nex-Tech Wireless, PureTalk, Red Pocket, Spectrum, Strata, T-Mobile USA, TracFone / Straight Talk, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Visible, and Xfinity Mobile.

A Trash folder has been added. Chats will now “stay in the trash for 30 days before they’re deleted.” You can access this new folder from the account menu.

Real-time location sharing is now live, powered by Find Hub. This joins the existing “One-time Location” option, which sends a static Google Maps link. Tapping the new green icon in the attachments menu slides up a map with duration options: For one hour, Today only, Until you turn this off, or Custom duration. Sending adds an inline map to the conversation, which you can expand to fill most of the screen. A prominent banner appears at the top of the conversation while sharing is active. To remove the dot on the ‘plus’ button, someone must initiate a share with you.

Finally, @mentions in group RCS chats have been officially launched. This feature allows you to get a person’s attention in group conversations, even “if their notifications are muted.” It had been slowly rolling out, but Google has now made it official.