The latest updates to Google Messages for Android include several new features that enhance user experience. A redesigned long-press menu now allows for more intuitive interactions, such as a floating menu that appears when users long-press on an image or message. This update was reported by beta users and is currently rolling out in phases.
Among the changes are adjustments to the “Remix” feature, which is now less prominent, and modifications to the fullscreen viewer layout. Additionally, the inclusion of @mentions in group chats facilitates communication, even if a participant has muted notifications. This feature aims to improve engagement in conversations.
Google's implementation of Messaging Layer Security (MLS) is noteworthy, as it enables end-to-end encryption for both group and individual chats across platforms. Users can verify the encryption status by accessing the redesigned Details page. A significant update also rolled out in August 2024, redesigning the display of read receipts to enhance visibility. The new circular design for receipts was further refined in January 2025, making them more distinct from message bubbles.