What new Google Messages features are rolling out [August 2026]

Starting August 2026, Google Messages for Android is introducing several new features following A/B testing. The most notable change is the removal of the top toolbar, replaced with a long-press on a message or image to open a floating menu that blurs the background. Users can then copy a specific part of the chat, a feature previously requiring a full message copy.

Additionally, Google Messages is rolling out a "Chat theme" customization option. Accessible via the three-dot overflow menu, this replaces the 2024 "Change colors" feature. The new option lets users extensively customize conversations by altering message bubbles. Nine themes are available, including Dynamic Color that responds to the background of the chat, with eight static options. A red badge will appear when this feature is rolled out for a phone.

RCS/SMS clients often take time to launch new functionality in stable versions. However, recent reports indicate Google Messages is testing a variant of read receipts using the old icons but moving the timestamp and encryption lock to the swipeable area. This is currently in beta.

Google Messages for web users will require Google Account sign-in after later April, with QR code method still available. Read receipts are now located in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images, with swipe left to view timestamps and encryption lock, and swipe right to reply. This was first introduced in August 2024 and is now widely available.

In the US, Samsung users are being directed to Google Messages. On Android 14 and above, Google’s RCS app will automatically shift to the homescreen dock after the move. Google is also modifying the voice message button with a bolder color to help reduce accidental Smart Replies. This new option can be enabled in Settings > Suggestions & Actions > Suggestions, allowing users to edit Smart Replies before manually tapping the Send button.

Tapping "Tap to send" remains available and is the default behavior. For more news, tune into 9to5Google on YouTube.