What new Google Messages options are rolling out [February 2026]

Like different Google apps, Messages for Android A/B exams many options. It may possibly take the RCS/SMS consumer a quite very long time to truly launch new performance in steady. From numerous experiences, Google announcements, and units we’ve checked, that is the present state of Messages.

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Nonetheless rolling out (beta)

These are Messages options that Google introduced or have been noticed within the wild by beta users.

[New] Android-iPhone encrypted RCS

As of iOS 26.4 beta 2, Apple and Google are testing end-to-end encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android units. iOS customers will see a lock initially of the thread, with Google Messages utilizing the identical icon.

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[Updated] Learn receipts redesign

Learn receipts at the moment are positioned in a circle on the bottom-right nook of message bubbles and pictures. You swipe left to see timestamps and the encryption lock, when you can swipe proper to answer. This primary began showing in August of 2024, however is now seeing large beta and steady availability.

Ellipsis	Sending
Single test with ring	Despatched
Double test with ring	Delivered
Double test stable circle	Learn

@mentions in group RCS chats

This potential to get an individual’s consideration in group conversations even “if their notifications are muted” has been slowly seeing a broader rollout in current weeks. It’s not but extensively obtainable.

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As a substitute of a toolbar, long-pressing on a picture or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re viewing. The background will get blurred, when you really feel haptic suggestions.

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Current launches (steady)

[New] Gemini-powered Rip-off Detection

On-device Gemini Nano is being leveraged for “extra nuanced evaluation of advanced conversational threats” on the most recent flagship Android telephones in US, Canada, and UK. This consists of the Pixel 10 sequence, Galaxy S26, and different choose units. It’s rolling out now.

…it could possibly higher detect the delicate conversational patterns utilized in job provide scams or subtle romance baiting scams (also referred to as “pig butchering”), a misleading tactic the place a scammer builds a long-term “relationship” with a possible sufferer to realize their belief, earlier than tricking them right into a fraudulent funding. As a result of these strategies depend on gradual manipulation and don’t current typical warning indicators, they want extra superior capabilities to catch them at scale.

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[New] Edit Historical past in Particulars web page

RCS edit historical past is as soon as once more obtainable. Lengthy-press on an edited message to “View particulars.”

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Toned down Nano Banana Remix

If you long-press on a picture, “Remix” within the bottom-left nook is now smaller. In the meantime, the fullscreen viewer has moved the button to the underside row to supply an unobstructed picture.

Different designs that Google examined eliminated the banana emoji, however Messages is now holding that branding in place.

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Outdated vs. new

Digital camera tweaks

Google has decreased the peak of the digital camera viewfinder, although it now extends into the standing bar. This container options rounded corners. The gallery now reveals two full picture rows, whereas some customers would possibly see a part of the following row.

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