Google Messages: New Features and Updates for April 2025

Features Rolling Out in Google Messages (April 2025)

Still Rolling Out (Beta)

Expanded Text Field Limit

Google Messages is now allowing the compose field to expand up to 14 lines, significantly more than the previous limit of four lines.

Camera + Gallery Merger/Redesign + 'Original Quality' Sending

The app has merged the live viewfinder with the camera roll. When taking a new picture or video, you can see recent shots and write captions before sending. Additionally, users can now send media in 'Original quality,' which sends images and videos at full resolution.

Read Receipts Redesign

Read receipts are now displayed in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles. Swiping left reveals timestamps and end-to-end encryption status, while swiping right allows you to reply or quote a message.

Dual SIM RCS Support

Multiple SIM cards can now appear as 'Connected' in Settings > RCS chats, aiding international RCS adoption.

Magic Compose in Suggested Replies Row

Magic Compose or Magic Rewrite is always visible in the row of suggested replies, enhancing visibility.

Double Tap to Heart/Thumbs-Up

Users can double-tap a message to react with a heart or thumbs-up, saving time and effort.

RCS Status Indicator Tweak

The status indicator has been changed from 'RCS message' to '(RCS)' for better clarity.

Recent Launches (Stable)

Google Account Device Pairing

Users can pair their devices with their Google Account for seamless messaging.

Magic Compose and Photomoji

Enhanced AI suggestions and photo emojis are available in the app.

Revamped Contact Details Page

The contact details page has been redesigned for better usability.

Reaction Effects

Visual effects are added when users react to messages, making reactions more expressive.

Profiles and Custom Bubbles/Backgrounds

Users can customize their profiles and message bubbles with various styles.

Selfie GIF and Single-Line Text Field

Create animated selfies and use a single-line text field for quick messaging.

Voice Recorder Redesign

The voice recorder has been updated with noise cancellation and mood detection features.

Larger Contact Photos

Contact photos are now larger and more visible in conversations.

Show Expressive Animations

Enable expressive animations to add more life to your chats.

New 'Select Recipients' Conversation Picker

A new picker for selecting recipients in conversations has been introduced.

RCS Photo with Text Caption Redesign

RCS photos can now include text captions, enhancing the messaging experience.

Full RCS Messages Transfer on Pixel 9

Pixel 9 users can transfer full RCS messages between devices.

Group Search in New Conversations Screen

Users can search for group conversations more easily.

Text Field Redesign

The text field has been made taller and left-aligned, with improved button placement.

Improved Media Receiving Performance

Issues with receiving media have been significantly addressed, reducing failures and slowdowns.

Real-Time Scam Detection

Google Messages now flags conversational text patterns that are commonly associated with scams, providing on-device protection.

Screen Effects

Various screen effects for different occasions (e.g., Valentine's Day, Halloween) are available to enhance the messaging experience.