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

Like other Google apps, Messages for Android A/B tests many features. It can take the RCS/SMS client a rather long time to actually launch new functionality in stable. From various reports, Google announcements, and devices we’ve checked, this is the current state of Messages.

Update 1/9:

Still rolling out (beta)

These are Messages features that Google announced or have been spotted in the wild by beta users.

Instead of a toolbar, long-pressing on an image or message opens a floating menu, with Google partially centering what you’re viewing. The background gets blurred, while you feel haptic feedback.

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Toned down Nano Banana Remix

When you long-press on an image, “Remix” in the bottom-left corner is smaller and no longer has the banana emoji. Similarly, the fullscreen viewer no longer overlays the button. Instead, it’s moved to the bottom of…