What new Google Messages features are rolling out [May 2026]

Google Messages is rolling out and testing a bundle of updates across Android and the web, including a redesigned read-receipt indicator and a new Tap to Draft option.

The app is also fixing Selfie GIF issues, adding a 30-day trash folder, and improving Messages for web with smarter inline actions.

Google is expanding real-time location sharing through Find Hub and Google Account integration.

A major messaging milestone: end-to-end encrypted RCS chats are now supported with iPhone users on Apple’s iOS 26.5.