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

Google is rolling out several new features for its Messages app for Android users. Two designs are being tested, with the one on the right taking up more screen space. Long-pressing on a message or image opens a floating menu instead of a top toolbar. Copying just a part of the chat is now possible, whereas previously, the entire message had to be copied.

When iOS 27 launches this fall, Android-iPhone conversations over RCS will support inline replies with quotes and photo reactions with actual emojis. This feature is currently in beta.

After testing a single circle within the bubble, Google has reverted to two-circle read receipts underneath messages. The new variant now tests moving the timestamp and encryption lock to the left, with direct replies accessed by a right swipe.

Starting from late April, the QR code method for accessing Messages on the web is still available, while read receipts are now placed in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. Swiping left reveals timestamps and the encryption lock, while a right swipe accesses the reply function.

Google Keep integration has been added to Messages, allowing users to create and share notes within chats. To use the integration, open the 'plus' menu to add a "Keep Notes" tile, then slide up a sheet to start or select a note. After that, there's a live preview in the conversation thread, and a send button appears in the bottom-right corner.

As of early September, Google Messages is still rolling out the Keep integration. Users will also soon be able to customize conversations with a "Chat theme." Replacing the previous "Change colors" option from 2024, this new feature can be accessed from the three-dot overflow menu. Look out for a red badge when this is rolled out to your phone.

Themes will only appear on your device and will change the color of message bubbles. Options include nine different themes, with Dynamic Color being the first option, which responds to the background of your chat. The Wallpapers option allows users to change the background of the conversation, with options to upload their own image or choose from collections such as Animals, Architecture, Black & White, Cityscapes, Landscapes, Macro, Space, Sunsets, and Textures.

In the US, Samsung users will be prompted to switch to Google Messages after Android 14+. Samsung is having users switch to Google Messages on Android 14+.