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Google Messages may soon get a genius new feature

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By Anam Hamid

Published: Jan 20, 2025, 9:07 PM

Google Messages, the default messaging app for many Android users, might gain two new features soon.

Google Messages continues to evolve, and with RCS support having taken care of the bigger things, Google is constantly working on seemingly minor things to improve the messaging experience.

Android Authority combed through some code to unearth possible work-in-progress features and was able to find two. They even managed to get them working on their phone to show us how they would work.

Old vs new message box. | Image Credit - Android Authority

The first one is relatively insignificant. At the moment, when you text someone, the message appears in a static blue oblong box, with the status indicators below it. In the future, this box may appear as an expanding animation, with delivery checkmarks inside of it.

It's as small a change as they come, but it sure adds a little something. Besides, it's little additions like these sprinkled throughout that separate good apps from mediocre ones.

Next up is a change to image reactions and replies. A future version of Google Messages may let you add threaded replies to media attachments. When you tap on an image or video, you will have the option to add comments meant for the attachment. These will not appear in the general chat area and hence not clutter up the main view.

Google Messages threaded replies feature. | Image Credit - Android Authority

Additionally, you will also be able to react with emojis after tapping on media. Currently, you must long-press on an image or a video in the full chat summary to be able to add reactions. This, again, is not a ground-breaking change, but it surely is a thoughtful one.

Neither of these features has been officially confirmed and there's no stopping Google from abandoning its work on them. However, code strings often accurately predict future messages, and we sure hope Google ends up shipping the nested replies feature at least.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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