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Google Messages for Android is currently undergoing several feature rollouts. Two distinct designs are being tested, with the second design utilizing a larger portion of the screen. Rather than a top toolbar, long-pressing on a message or image triggers a floating menu while simultaneously blurring the background. Additionally, a secondary long-press permits copying a segment of the conversation, as opposed to the entire message. iOS 27, which is slated for release this fall, will introduce inline replies with quote support and photo reactions featuring actual emojis, rather than just textual descriptions.

This functionality is presently in beta testing. Messages has recently returned to displaying a two-circle read receipts icon beneath the message layout after experimenting with a single-circle design within the bubble. The app is now piloting a variant that incorporates the older icon set but relocates the timestamp and encryption lock.

By swiping left, users can now view this information, while direct replies are accessed by swiping right. Moving forward, web users will be required to sign in with their Google Account. As of late April, the QR code method remains active. Read receipts are now presented as a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images.

To view timestamps and the encryption lock, users can swipe left, while replying requires a right swipe. This feature first appeared in August 2024 but has since gained widespread beta and stable availability. Google Messages now offers extensive customization options through "Chat themes." Accessible via the three-dot overflow menu, this feature replaces the "Change colors" option introduced in 2024.

The new theme selection appears as a red badge and exclusively affects the device on which it is applied. Themes will modify the color of message bubbles, with nine options available, including Dynamic Color, which adapts to the background of the chat. The Wallpapers option allows users to alter the chat's background by either uploading their own image or selecting from a collection of pre-existing themes: Animals, Architecture, Black & White, Cityscapes, Landscapes, Macro, Space, Sunsets, and Textures.

In the United States, Samsung users are being prompted to migrate to Google Messages. Once this transition occurs on Android 14 and later, the Google RCS app will automatically relocate to the homescreen dock. Google has also updated the voice message button with a bolder color and a contrasting waveform, which helps minimize accidental Smart Reply activations.

This feature can be enabled in Settings → Suggestions & Actions → Suggestions. Tapping a Smart Reply will insert it into the text field, enabling further edits before manually tapping Send. However, the "Tap to send" option remains functional and is the default setting. For additional updates, visit 9to5Google on YouTube.