At some point this year, both Google and Apple will introduce updates to their messaging applications that will transform the texting landscape entirely. This enhancement has been long overdue and will mark the first time WhatsApp faces legitimate competition for secure, cross-platform communication between Android and iPhone users without any limitations.
While there are other over-the-top messaging services, such as Facebook Messenger, Telegram, and Signal, they each come with their own drawbacks. Meta’s data practices, Telegram’s lack of default end-to-end encryption, and Signal’s smaller user base are significant concerns.
The secure stock messaging option has been absent in this space. Recently, the global mobile standards organization GSMA announced a crucial RCS upgrade, and both Google and Apple have confirmed that they will enhance their messaging apps to this new standard, enabling fully encrypted messages across different operating systems for the first time.
This development follows the Salt Typhoon incident, where Chinese hackers infiltrated U.S. networks, stealing sensitive data and highlighting the weaknesses in text messaging security, leading the FBI to advise Americans to avoid sending texts.
Google’s recent update to the Messages app represents a step forward in matching iMessage, offering a more cohesive user experience, regardless of the mobile device chosen. Once RCS is upgraded, it will enter the secure messaging arena. As noted by Android Authority, Google is also working to make it “simpler to identify which of your contacts utilize RCS.”
This feature will be essential, as I am confident that all my messages on WhatsApp and Signal are secure — this applies to every one of my contacts in those apps. The same holds true for Signal and even Facebook Messenger. However, it is not yet applicable to Telegram, nor is it currently the case for RCS.
Android Authority analyzed a pre-release version of the Messages APK and discovered that Google is “readying new RCS labels for contacts” by tagging each individual. More importantly, “Messages is also adjusting the contact list interface to distinguish RCS-enabled users by color.”
This change will eliminate the uncertainty of initiating a chat with a contact. At present, there is “no indication of whether a conversation will utilize RCS or SMS.” That will soon be different. Even more importantly, “The feature also helps identify iPhone users who have activated RCS messaging.”
In terms of color-coding, this is not as straightforward as the blue bubble / green bubble distinction in iMessage. Instead, “RCS users’ names will be highlighted with Material You accents, while SMS-only contacts will appear in standard white.”
Since this is a pre-release, the timeline for its availability is still unknown. Given that we lack a timeline for complete RCS encryption, its current urgency is less critical but will become more so. I don’t recommend using RCS over WhatsApp or other secure messaging applications right now, but that position should change once the upgrades are implemented. I hope this happens in time for iOS 19 this fall.
It seems that after a recent update, Google has noticeably increased the size of the text entry box in the Google Messages app. The text area, shaped like a pill, has been enlarged to make it thicker and longer (no jokes, please). This change is genuine and so is the increase in size of the Voice memo button located outside the text field on the right side, which becomes the send button.
The arrangement of all buttons remains unchanged, with the plus button still positioned inside the text area on the left. This button provides access to several features, including:
- Gallery
- GIFs
- Stickers
- Files
- Location
- Contacts
- Schedule Send
- Selfie GIF
Additional shortcuts within the text area include the smiley face emoji, which opens the emoji keyboard when tapped. Lastly, the Gallery shortcut appears within the text area, showing the camera app on top and the photo gallery below. The expanded text area in the Messages app has emerged with beta version 20250224_01_RC00 of the app.
Although Google has not yet widely implemented this update, you can always check for it by launching the Play Store app and tapping on the profile icon in the upper right corner. Next, select Manage apps & device, then Updates available, and scroll down to locate Messages. If the app appears there, it indicates that an update is available. Click on “Update” and let the process complete. The latest update on my device was version 20250225_01_RC00, suggesting you should update the app immediately to access the larger text field.
You can verify the version of the Google Messages app installed on your phone by navigating to Settings > Apps > See all XXX apps > Messages. Scroll to the bottom of the page to check the version number of the installed app.
If you are not currently using Google Messages on your Android device (as there are numerous options available), you can add it by clicking on this link which will redirect you to the Google Play Store for downloading the Google Messages app.
In recent months, Google Messages has undergone significant updates, including alterations to profile images and the incorporation of Gemini. Nonetheless, a recent report suggests that Google is far from finished and will soon introduce a wealth of additional information regarding message statuses.
At present, users can find the “view details” option in Google Messages by long-pressing a message within a chat. After doing so, they are shown a small pop-up displaying very basic information about when the message was sent and received. However, a new APK uncovered by Android Authority indicates that the current beta version of Google Messages features a much more sophisticated view details screen.
Screenshots shared by Android Authority illustrate the contrast between the two versions. The updated iteration includes more comprehensive details about the conversation participants, such as their contact names and profile pictures. Users can also easily identify who has read a message, even in group conversations.
This revamped version is reminiscent of the message information offered in WhatsApp at a glance.
Beyond just the information provided, Google is said to have introduced new actions when examining the recipients. According to Android Authority, you’ll soon have the option to tap on a contact’s profile picture, leading to three new quick actions: call, text, and view profile info.
This isn’t the sole update regarding the Google Messages beta. A notable development is a recent report that mentions Google may permit users to delete messages for everyone involved in the conversation. As it stands, it’s currently impossible to remove a message from other participants’ feeds in the existing version. It’s hoped that Google will take inspiration from WhatsApp, which also provides this feature and offers a two-day grace period to delete messages.
There is little doubt that Google is striving to enhance the overall user experience of its messaging app. However, it is important to note that a feature found in an APK may not necessarily be included in the final version.
The pressing question remains: if these new changes are realized, will they aid Google Messages in bridging the gap with some of the leading chat applications?