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

Like different Google apps, Messages for Android A/B checks many options. It may take the RCS/SMS consumer a somewhat very long time to really launch new performance in secure. From varied experiences, Google announcements, and gadgets we’ve checked, that is the present state of Messages.

Replace 3/14:

Nonetheless rolling out (beta)

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

[New] Trash folder

Chats will now “keep within the trash for 30 days earlier than they’re deleted.” You may entry this new folder from the account menu.

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[Announced] Actual-time location sharing

Powered by Discover Hub, this joins the present “One-time Location” choice that sends a static Google Maps hyperlink. It is possible for you to to pick an increment — For one hour, At the moment solely, Till you flip this off, Customized length — from the brand new inline interface. After sending, there’s a wealthy map within the thread which you can broaden.

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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 gadgets. iOS customers will see a lock initially of the thread, with Google Messages utilizing the identical icon.

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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, whilst you can swipe proper to answer. This primary began showing in August of 2024, however is now seeing extensive beta and secure availability.

@mentions in group RCS chats

This capability 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 broadly out there.

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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, whilst you really feel haptic suggestions.

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Latest launches (secure)

Gemini-powered Rip-off Detection

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

…it might higher detect the refined conversational patterns utilized in job provide scams or refined romance baiting scams (often known as “pig butchering”), a misleading tactic the place a scammer builds a long-term “relationship” with a possible sufferer to achieve 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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Edit Historical past in Particulars web page

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

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Toned down Nano Banana Remix

Whenever 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 offer 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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