Google Messages: Unveiling the Latest Features [January 2026] (2026)

Google Messages is evolving, but are these changes for the better?

Google Messages, like many of its counterparts, is constantly testing and refining its features through A/B testing. However, it can take a considerable amount of time for these new functionalities to make their way into the stable version of the app. Based on recent reports, official Google announcements (https://www.android.com/google-messages/), and our own hands-on experience with various devices, here's a comprehensive breakdown of what's currently happening with Google Messages as of January 2026.

Update 1/9:

Table of Contents

• Still in Beta Testing

  • Long-Press Menu Revamp: A more intuitive way to interact with messages and images.
  • Subdued Nano Banana Remix: A toned-down version of the playful feature, now without the banana emoji.
  • Mentions in Group RCS Chats: Get someone's attention even if they've muted notifications.
  • MLS Encryption: Enhanced security for cross-platform RCS messaging.
  • Read Receipts Redesign: A fresh look for message delivery and read status indicators.

• Recently Released (Stable)

  • Camera Enhancements: A sleeker camera interface with improved functionality.
  • Larger Gemini FAB: A more prominent floating action button for easier access.
  • Link Preview Overhaul: A redesigned layout with larger cover images and improved visibility.
  • Exit Unknown Group Chats: A convenient way to leave groups you were added to without consent.
  • Image Viewer Refresh: A fullscreen experience with a blurred background and swipe gestures.

Still in Beta Testing

These features are either officially announced by Google or have been spotted by beta testers (https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.google.android.apps.messaging/join).

Long-Press Menu Revamp: Instead of a traditional toolbar, long-pressing an image or message now brings up a floating menu, with the content you're interacting with partially centered. The background blurs, and you'll feel a subtle haptic feedback. This change aims to provide a more immersive and intuitive experience. But here's where it gets controversial: some users argue that this new menu system might be less efficient than the traditional toolbar. What do you think? Is this a step forward or a step back in terms of usability?

More details: (https://9to5google.com/2026/01/07/google-messages-long-press-menu/)

Subdued Nano Banana Remix: When long-pressing an image, the 'Remix' option in the bottom-left corner is now smaller and lacks the banana emoji. Similarly, in the fullscreen viewer, the button is no longer overlaid but moved to the bottom of the screen. This change is likely an attempt to streamline the interface, but it raises the question: are we losing some of the app's personality in the process?

More details: (https://9to5google.com/2025/12/20/google-messages-nano-banana-remix/)

Mentions in Group RCS Chats: This feature allows you to grab someone's attention in a group chat, even if they've muted notifications. It's a handy tool for ensuring important messages don't get overlooked. However, it also brings up concerns about notification overload. Should there be limits to how often someone can be mentioned, or is this a non-issue?

More details: (https://9to5google.com/2025/11/12/google-messages-group-mentions/)

MLS Encryption: With Universal Profile 3.0, Google Messages now supports the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, enabling cross-platform RCS messaging with end-to-end encryption (E2EE). This is a significant step forward for security, but it's worth noting that not all carriers and devices support MLS yet. How long do you think it will take for this feature to become widely available?

To check if MLS is active for a conversation, long-press a message and open the redesigned Details page. Look for the 'Encryption Protocol' section: '0' indicates the existing E2EE, while '1' represents the new MLS approach.

Read Receipts Redesign: Following a major overhaul in early 2023, read receipts have been revamped again. They now appear in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. Swipe left to view timestamps and encryption status, or swipe right to reply or quote a message. This design started rolling out in August 2024, with more users receiving it in November.

The read receipts have also become more prominent, with a white circular background that contrasts with the message bubble color. This change makes it easier to see when a message has been read, but it also raises questions about privacy. Should users have more control over when and how read receipts are sent?

Recently Released (Stable)

Camera Enhancements: Google has reduced the height of the camera viewfinder, which now extends into the status bar. The container features rounded corners for a more modern look. The gallery displays two full rows of images, with some users seeing part of the next row. These tweaks aim to improve the overall camera experience, but do they go far enough? What other camera features would you like to see added?

More details: (https://9to5google.com/2026/01/05/google-messages-camera-tweaks/)

Larger Gemini FAB: The Gemini floating action button (FAB) has been enlarged to comply with Material 3 Expressive guidelines, which deprecated the smaller component size. It now matches the 'Start chat' FAB when scrolling. While this change makes the button more noticeable, it also takes up more screen real estate. Is this a worthwhile trade-off?

Link Preview Overhaul: Link previews, including those for YouTube videos, have been redesigned with taller cover images and a more prominent page title. The domain is now accompanied by a favicon, and the background is more distinct. However, Google has removed the article snippet, reducing information density. This redesign aims to make links more visually appealing, but at what cost to functionality?

YouTube Picture-in-Picture is also back, but accessing the full app is less straightforward. You must fullscreen the video in Messages and then tap the logo in the bottom-right corner. Is this an improvement, or just an unnecessary complication?

More details: (https://9to5google.com/2025/11/28/google-messages-link-previews/)

Exit Unknown Group Chats: Google has introduced a new feature that allows you to quickly leave group chats you were added to by unknown numbers. An alert card above the text field explains that an 'Unknown sender added you,' displaying the number and the number of participants. Messages will also indicate if anyone you know is part of the thread. This feature is a welcome addition for privacy and security, but it also highlights the need for better group chat management tools. What other features would you like to see added to improve group chat experiences?

Image Viewer Refresh: After initial testing in June (https://9to5google.com/2025/06/06/google-messages-material-3-expressive-more/), Google has rolled out a redesigned image viewer. The fullscreen interface features a blurred background, and you can swipe left or right to navigate through images. Tapping an image opens it in full size, with options in the top-right corner and comments and frequent emojis in the bottom row.

Google has also updated how images are grouped in the conversation view. This redesign aims to provide a more immersive and intuitive image viewing experience, but does it go far enough? What other improvements would you like to see?

More details: (https://9to5google.com/2025/12/04/google-messages-photo-viewer-redesign/)

Final Thoughts

As Google Messages continues to evolve, it's clear that the app is striving to balance functionality, security, and user experience. However, some of these changes are not without controversy. From the revamped long-press menu to the more prominent read receipts, each update brings its own set of trade-offs. And this is the part most people miss: the importance of user feedback in shaping the future of the app. What features would you like to see added or improved? Which changes do you think are steps in the wrong direction? Let us know in the comments – your input could help shape the next iteration of Google Messages.

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