Google Messages Gets a Fresh Text Field Redesign for 2025

Google Messages gets a sleek new text field design that's more modern and spacious, enhancing the messaging experience.

3 weeks ago

Summary

Google Messages Text Field Redesign

Rollout: After experimenting with various designs in 2024, Google has widely rolled out a new text field design for Google Messages as of version 20250311_04_RC01.
Design Changes: The pill-shaped text field is now left-aligned and slightly taller, with more padding. The 'plus' icon remains at the far left, while other features like the message status, expressive picker, and gallery icons have been rearranged.
Voice Memo: The voice memo button has moved outside the text field, becoming a circle that transforms into a send button once you start typing.
Aesthetic Improvements: Compared to the previous design, the new layout is less cramped and more modern. However, it no longer aligns with sent messages on the right side.
RCS Support: Recent updates have also added end-to-end encryption for RCS (Rich Communication Services), with both Google and Apple confirming support.
Additional Features: Improvements include enhanced media receiving capabilities to fix slowdowns and failures, as well as the introduction of Scam Detection in the Phone app and Google Messages.