{"id":11110,"date":"2026-05-17T00:47:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T23:47:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/innovatenews.site\/index.php\/2026\/05\/17\/what-new-google-messages-features-are-rolling-out-may-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T00:47:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T23:47:29","slug":"what-new-google-messages-features-are-rolling-out-may-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/innovatenews.site\/index.php\/2026\/05\/17\/what-new-google-messages-features-are-rolling-out-may-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"What new Google Messages features are rolling out [May 2026]"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

The topic What new Google Messages features are rolling out [May 2026]<\/strong> is currently the subject of lively discussion \u2014 readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.<\/p>\n

This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies\u2019 decisions and competitors\u2019 reactions can quickly change the picture.<\/p>\n

Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A\/B tests many features. It can take the RCS\/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we\u2019ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.<\/p>\n

These are Messages features that Google announced or have been spotted in the wild by beta users.<\/p>\n

In recent weeks, Google Messages has mostly reverted to the two-circle read receipts underneath the message design after trying a single circle within the bubble.<\/p>\n

Google is now testing a variant that uses the old icons but moves the timestamp and encryption lock. You now view that information by swiping left, with direct replies accessed by a right swipe.<\/p>\n

In the US, Samsung is having users switch to Google Messages. On Android 14+, Google\u2019s RCS app will \u201cautomatically shift\u201d to your homescreen dock after the move.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

Going forward, Messages for web users will have to use Google Account sign-in. As of late April, the QR code method is still available.<\/p>\n

This new option cuts down on accidentally sending Smart Replies. After enabling in Settings > Suggestions, tapping a Smart Reply will place it in the text field to allow for further edits before you manually tap the Send button.<\/p>\n

Read receipts are now placed in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. You swipe left to see timestamps and the encryption lock, while you can swipe right to reply. This first started appearing in August of 2024, but is now seeing wide beta and stable availability.<\/p>\n

Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing on an image or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you\u2019re viewing. The background gets blurred, while you feel haptic feedback.<\/p>\n

Google has addressed an issue in the \u2018plus\u2019 menu where the \u201cSelfie GIF\u201d option would not consistently appear every time you open attachments. It resulted in the \u201cOne-time Location\u201d shortcut moving between spots, thus impacting muscle memory. This has been resolved as of stable version 20260428_00_RC02.<\/p>\n

On May 11, Apple rolled out iOS 26.5 with end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS. Chats\/messages between Android and iOS users cannot be read by anyone else as they are sent between phones.<\/p>\n

Google Messages users will see the same lock as before when talking to those on the iPhone. The iOS Messages app will show \u201cText Message \u00b7 RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted\u201d at the center of the screen.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

Encrypted RCS will be \u201cautomatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.\u201d Apple says this is \u201cavailable with supported carriers and will roll out over time.\u201d Make sure you\u2019re running the latest version of Google Messages. Supported carriers are listed here.<\/p>\n

In the US, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Chats will now \u201cstay in the trash for 30 days before they\u2019re deleted.\u201d You can access this new folder from the account menu.<\/p>\n

Powered by Find Hub, this joins the existing\/renamed \u201cOne-time Location\u201d option that sends a static Google Maps link. Tapping the new green icon in the attachments menu slides up a map with the ability to select an increment: For one hour, Today only, Until you turn this off, or Custom duration.<\/p>\n

Sending adds an inline map to the conversation, which you can expand to take up most of the screen. There\u2019s also a prominent banner at the top of the conversation when sharing is active.<\/p>\n

Jfc what is so hard about adding categories for conversations?<\/p>\n

To remove the dot on the \u2018plus\u2019 button, somebody has to initiate a share with you.<\/p>\n

This ability to get a person\u2019s attention in group conversations even \u201cif their notifications are muted\u201d has been slowly rolling out, but Google finally made it official.<\/p>\n