Google Messages is getting ready for a big UI shuffle (APK teardown)

This month, Google incorporated a feature into Google Messages that many users find less than desirable. The app's business chat function now sends messages to Google Messages users about new features and updates. While this could be beneficial for those who keep up with Messages news, it is seen as annoying spam by others. These messages from Google are easy to identify within the inbox.

They appear as a conversation from "Google Messages" with a checkmark next to it and the Messages app icon as the profile picture. Once opened, the messages consist of Google discussing various app features. For example, a message on September 18th reminded users that photos and videos sent via RCS are of higher quality compared to standard SMS messages.

The conversation resembles a typical text thread, except users cannot send their messages back to Google; they can only use pre-made replies such as "Tell me more." The process of unsubscribing to these Google Messages texts is straightforward. Before these messages start arriving, there is a pop-up at the top of the Messages app that says "Join the official chat for all future features and media updates."

Tapping "No thanks" here will prevent Google from sending these messages in the future. However, if this pop-up is missed or if there was an accidental tap on "Continue," there is still a way to unsubscribe. A confirmation message from Google will be received following the unsubscription, along with instructions on how to resubscribe if desired.

Despite unsubscribing, the conversation will remain in the Messages inbox. To remove all traces of these texts, tap the three dots, select "Trash," and then "Move to trash." While not the most egregious action Google has taken, these texts certainly contribute to the inbox clutter.