Google Messages, the default SMS/RCS client for many Android users, is steadily gaining new features as Google continues to refine the messaging experience. While Google frequently A/B tests functionality, a number of updates are currently rolling out to users, enhancing both convenience and security. From a new trash folder to improved scam detection powered by Gemini, here’s a look at what’s new in Google Messages as of March 2026.
The latest updates focus on improving organization, security, and the overall usability of the app. Google’s commitment to RCS, the successor to SMS, is evident in many of these changes, aiming to provide a richer and more secure messaging experience comparable to other modern messaging platforms. The rollout of these features varies by user and device, reflecting Google’s phased approach to updates.
New Features in Beta and Stable Release
Several features are currently in various stages of rollout, ranging from beta testing to stable release. One of the newest additions is a Trash folder, allowing users to recover deleted messages for up to 30 days. This feature, accessible from the account menu, provides a safety net for accidental deletions.
Beyond the trash folder, Google has announced real-time location sharing powered by Find Hub. This expands on the existing “One-time Location” feature, offering users more control over how and when they share their location. Users can select sharing durations of one hour, today only, until manually turned off, or a custom duration, with a rich, expandable map displayed within the chat thread.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
A significant development is the testing of end-to-end encrypted RCS between Android devices and iPhones. As of iOS 26.4 beta 2, Apple and Google are collaborating to implement this crucial security feature. Users will be able to identify encrypted conversations by a lock icon at the start of the thread, mirroring the visual cue in Google Messages. This move addresses long-standing privacy concerns surrounding SMS and aims to provide a more secure communication channel between users on different platforms.
Google is also bolstering security with Gemini-powered Scam Detection. Leveraging the on-device Gemini Nano AI model, the feature analyzes conversations for subtle patterns indicative of scams, particularly “job offer scams” and “pig butchering” schemes. This technology is currently available on flagship Android devices, including the Pixel 10 series and Galaxy S26, in the US, Canada, and the UK. The goal is to proactively identify and flag potentially fraudulent interactions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Usability Improvements
Several smaller, but impactful, usability improvements are also rolling out. Read receipts have been redesigned, appearing as a circle at the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images. Swiping on the receipt reveals timestamps and encryption status, while swiping in the opposite direction allows for quick replies. This redesign, initially appearing in August 2024, is now widely available.
@mentions in group RCS chats are also becoming more prevalent, allowing users to directly notify individuals within a group conversation, even if their notifications are muted. A new floating menu replaces the traditional toolbar when long-pressing on images or messages, providing a more immersive and focused experience with blurred backgrounds and haptic feedback.
Finally, users can once again access Edit History for RCS messages by long-pressing on an edited message and selecting “View details.” Google has also refined the visual design of the “Remix” feature, making it less prominent while maintaining the banana emoji branding.
These updates demonstrate Google’s ongoing investment in Google Messages and its commitment to providing a modern, secure, and user-friendly messaging experience. As RCS continues to mature and gain wider adoption, features like end-to-end encryption and AI-powered scam detection will become increasingly important for protecting users and fostering trust in digital communication. The continued rollout of these features throughout 2026 will be key to solidifying Google Messages as a leading messaging platform.
What new features would you like to notice in Google Messages? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
