What new Google Messages features are rolling out [May 2026]
Summary
Google is rolling out a set of new Google Messages features in May 2026 with many items still in beta and others now in stable builds. Changes include redesigned read receipts (multiple variants), Tap to Draft for Smart Replies, a redesigned long-press menu, and the planned US switch from Samsung Messages to Google Messages on Android 14+. Stable launches add consistent Selfie GIF availability, a Trash folder that holds messages for 30 days, real-time location sharing with duration options, @mentions in group RCS chats, and end-to-end encrypted RCS interoperability with iOS 26.5 across supported carriers. Messages for web is shifting from QR code pairing to Google Account sign-in, and rollout timing varies by beta/stable channel and carrier—update to the latest Google Messages to access features.
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