Upcoming Features for Google Messages in August 2025
Google has announced a series of updates and redesigns for its messaging app, Google Messages, aimed at enhancing security, multimedia support, and user experience. The new features are being rolled out or are in the process of being rolled out as of mid-2025.
One of the most significant changes is the implementation of the Material 3 Expressive redesign, which brings visual updates to various parts of the app, including new text field designs, custom bubbles, and backgrounds. This modernization aims to improve the user interface and provide a more engaging experience.
Google Messages is also introducing MLS encryption, which adds support for cross-platform RCS that is end-to-end encrypted. This feature enhances message security, ensuring that conversations remain private.
Another notable update is the standalone gallery and camera redesign, which merges the camera viewfinder and gallery. Swiping up reveals more, with "Folders" at the bottom, while you can "Write a caption" before sending. Users can now send pictures and videos in "Original quality" or choose from "HD" (optimized quality) or "HD+" (original full resolution).
The app is also introducing Sensitive Content Warnings, which blur images that may contain nudity and remind users of the risks of sending nude imagery. This feature aims to promote responsible messaging.
In terms of functionality, Google Messages is introducing a new M3E contact details page, a Wear OS app redesign, Dual SIM RCS support, Key Verifier, Delete for everyone, Delete for me, and Snooze notifications. The details page now shows conversation metadata more intuitively, including quick contact actions and original message in replies, improving conversation tracking.
The Wear OS app redesign includes modernization of the homescreen, changes in the conversation view, and a new keypad. The new read receipts redesign places read receipts in a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and includes the ability to swipe left to see all timestamps and the end-to-end encryption status.
Google is also introducing Dual SIM RCS support, which allows for RCS messaging on devices with multiple SIM cards. Key Verifier is a feature that is coming soon but not yet available. It aims to protect against SIM swap and impersonation attacks by verifying contact identity via public encryption keys and QR codes.
The "New conversation" page becomes the "New chat" list, with contacts with RCS getting a badge at the right and their name and number featuring Dynamic Color theming instead of just being black/white (SMS). Users can now snooze notifications for conversations for 1 hour, 8 hours, 24 hours, or Always.
Google Messages has also merged the camera viewfinder and gallery. When taking a photo or video, you'll always see 3-6 recent shots in the merged camera viewfinder and gallery. The app now allows users to access the gallery separately from the fullscreen camera and gallery redesign.
Additional recent launches and improvements include real-time spam detection and unsubscribe options, double tap for thumbs up reaction, text field redesign, enhanced media receiving, Magic Rewrite, RCS message editing, voice recorder redesign, custom profile pictures, and integration with Gemini AI for smart replies and composing.
The app also supports sending PDF files via RCS Business Messaging, currently live in India for files up to 100 MB, including preview features.
Overall, Google Messages is undergoing a comprehensive update focusing on enhanced security, richer multimedia support, UI modernization with Material 3 Expressive, smarter messaging features, and better RCS integration to rival competing messaging platforms.
Technology advancements are at the forefront of Google Messages' updates, with the implementation of Material 3 Expressive redesign for visual improvements and the introduction of MLS encryption for enhanced security.
Users can now send pictures and videos in Original quality, a feature that underscores the app's commitment to superior multimedia support, embodied by the technology it employs.
