What Google Messages features are rolling out [U]

Like most Google apps, Messages A/B tests many features. However, it takes the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch these capabilities in stable even after they are announced. From various reports, Google itself, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.

Update 12/23:

Still rolling out (beta)

These are Messages features that Google announced or have been spotted in the wild by beta users.

Text field redesign

Google is back with another redesign of the Messages compose field that’s a left-aligned text box. It abandoned a similar design earlier this year. From left-to-right, you have the ‘plus’ menu, Magic Compose, Emoji, and Gallery. We’re still only seeing this in the beta channel.

Camera + gallery merger/redesign + ‘Original quality’ sending

Google Messages has merged the live viewfinder with your camera roll. This new UI is what appears after tapping the “Gallery” icon in a conversation. When taking a new picture or video, you’ll always see 3-6 recent shots. Swiping up reveals more, while you can “Write a caption” before sending with the new preview screen.

In comparison, the existing image picker is more compact and keeps you in the conversation.

As part of this redesign, Google is rolling out the ability to send pictures and videos in “Original quality.” There are two media quality options when sending:

• Optimize for chat: Send quality media faster, uses less data — “HD”
• Original quality: Sends at full resolution — “HD+”

Magic Compose in suggested replies row

Always showing Magic Compose or Magic Rewrite in the row of suggested replies will aid visibility.

Double tap to heart

This is a straightforward shortcut that saves you from having to long-press on a message for the reactions row. Instead of the heart, some people have Double tap to thumbs-up.

Read receipts redesign

Following the last redesign in early 2023, another revamp places read receipts in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles (and images).

You swipe left to see all timestamps and the end-to-end encryption status, while you swipe left to reply/quote a message.

Current vs. redesign

Dual SIM RCS support

More than one SIM card will appear as “Connected” in Settings > RCS chats. This will aid international RCS adoption. It started rolling out in January but was later pulled, with more reports this August. As of late October, many more people — including in the US and physical + eSIM — are seeing it.

Enhanced scam detection

An on-device ML model allows for improved analysis and discovery of “scam texts that may seem harmless at first but can eventually lead to fraud.” Google Messages will warn you or automatically move the message into the spam folder. This is rolling out to beta users that have the existing spam protection setting enabled, starting with “package delivery and job seeking messages” that fit this pattern.

RCS status indicator tweak

From “RCS message” to “(RCS)”: More

Recent launches (stable)

• Google Account Device pairing
• Magic Compose
• Photomoji
• Revamped Contact Details page 
• Reaction Effects
• Profiles
• Custom Bubbles and backgrounds
• Selfie GIF
• Single-line text field
• Voice recorder redesign with noise cancellation + Voice Moods
• Larger contact photos
• Show expressive animations
• New “Select recipients” conversation picker
• RCS photo with text caption redesign
• Full RCS Messages transfer on Pixel 9
• Group search in new conversations screen
• RCS message editing
• Gemini double FAB
• Camera face filters
• “Magic Rewrite” button

‘Your profile’ name and photo settings + ‘Sending as’

“Profile sharing” — previously “Profile discovery” — lets you set who can see your name and picture with three options: 

• People you message: Your profile is visible to people after you send them a message.
• Only your contacts: Your profile is visible to people after you send them a message, but only if they’re in your contacts.
• No one: Your profile isn’t made visible to anyone after you send a message.

You will be able to access this page from a new “Your profile” item when you tap the avatar menu. This looks to be widely rolling out to the stable channel.

As part of this, you’ll get a “Sending as” profile notice:

Screen Effects

They were first previewed in late November and made an appearance at the start of this year, particularly around Valentine’s Day but were pulled after that.

• Booo: Tomatoes, with at least three o’s required 
• Congratulations: Balloons and confetti
• Going to the beach: Waves + various objects
• Hahahaha: Tube man. Four ha’s required 
• Rise and shine: The sun, quite charming
• Halloween
• Happy Hanukkah
• Happy Thanksgiving
• Merry Christmas