Google is giving its Messages app a major boost in May 2025, introducing several long-requested features designed to make messaging more private, secure, and interactive.
The headline feature in this update is the long-awaited “Delete for Everyone” option, allowing users to retract sent messages in RCS chats.
Delete for Everyone
The delete for everyone feature finally gives users the power to remove a message not only from their own view but also from the recipient’s chat as long as it’s done within a 15-minute window.
Once deleted, the message is replaced with “You deleted a message” on your screen and “Message deleted by its author” for everyone else in the conversation. This functionality is only available in RCS (Rich Communication Services) chats. Additionally, it requires both sender and recipient to be using an updated version of Google Messages that supports Universal Profile 2.7.
Fresh Visuals & Personalization
Beyond message deletion, Google has revamped the look and feel of its app with new customization features. Users can now personalize group chats by assigning custom icons rather than sticking with the usual contact photo collage.
There’s also the introduction of custom chat bubbles and backgrounds, giving each conversation its own visual identity. Meanwhile, a new feature called Photomoji allows users to transform their own photos into emoji-style reactions.
Read Receipts Redesign + Swipe Gestures
The read receipt icon has moved to the bottom-right of message bubbles for a cleaner look. Plus, new swipe gestures allow
- Swipe left: View timestamp and encryption details.
- Swipe right: Quote or reply to messages quickly.
Improved Multimedia Experience
Google is also improving multimedia sharing. A redesigned media picker now blends the live camera view and recent gallery into one screen, making it easier to snap and share at the moment. Users can choose whether to send images and videos in original HD+ quality or an optimized, data-friendly format.
Enhanced Privacy & Spam Protection
The new on-device nudity detection feature helps protect users by identifying potentially sensitive content and alerting them before it’s opened.
On the spam protection front, Google Messages now offers a real-time scam warning system and introduces a helpful “Unsubscribe” button for SMS messages.
These protections are being rolled out across multiple countries, including the US, UK, India, Brazil, Germany, and more.
Another long-requested improvement is support for dual SIM RCS messaging, which is a game-changer for users who manage multiple numbers on one device. With this update, Google Messages now allows rich messaging across both SIMs.
Lastly, the Magic Compose feature, powered by generative AI, is expanding its reach by integrating into the suggested replies row, offering suggestions right as you type.
