What new Google Messages features are rolling out [June 2026]
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What new Google Messages features are rolling out [June 2026]
https://9to5google.com/2026/06/13/new-google-messages-features/
Publish Date: 2026-06-13 14:50:00
Source Domain: 9to5google.com
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’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.
Update 6/13:
Still rolling out (beta)
These are Messages features that Google announced or have been spotted in the wild by beta users.
Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing on an image or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re viewing. The background gets blurred, while you feel haptic feedback.
Update: This long-press menu is seeing wider availability in the beta channel, but is not yet broadly available.
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Read receipts redesign II
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.
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.
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Samsung Messages will be discontinued in July
In the US, Samsung is having users switch to Google Messages. On Android 14+, Google’s RCS app will “automatically shift” to your homescreen dock after the move.
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Messages for web removing QR code pairing
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.
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Read receipts redesign I
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…
