Google Messages Gets Major Overhaul: MLS Encryption, Redesigned UI, and Viral Features Rolling Out Now

Google Messages is undergoing a massive transformation in 2025, with a wave of updates that blend cutting-edge security features with viral-worthy design changes. From cross-platform RCS encryption to a complete visual overhaul, here’s everything you need to know about the latest Google Messages features that are taking the messaging world by storm.

Universal Profile 3.0: MLS Encryption Arrives

The most significant development is Google’s rollout of Messaging Layer Security (MLS) encryption, bringing true end-to-end encryption to cross-platform RCS messaging. This means Android and iOS users can finally enjoy secure messaging without being locked into their respective ecosystems.

To check if you’re using MLS encryption, simply long-press any message and open the redesigned Details page. Look for the “Encryption Protocol” section—value “0” indicates standard E2EE, while “1” signals the new MLS implementation. This feature represents a major step forward in making RCS a viable competitor to iMessage’s security standards.

@Mentions in Group RCS Chats: Attention-Grabbing Updates

Google has been gradually rolling out @mentions in group RCS conversations, allowing users to get someone’s attention even when their notifications are muted. This feature has been slowly expanding to more users in recent weeks, though it’s still not universally available.

The implementation is straightforward: type “@” followed by a contact’s name, and they’ll receive a notification regardless of their current notification settings. This is particularly useful for large group chats where important messages might otherwise get lost in the noise.

Long-Press Menu Redesign: Swipe Right to Reply

In a major interface change, Google has replaced the traditional toolbar with a floating menu that appears when you long-press on an image or message. The background blurs, haptic feedback engages, and the content you’re viewing becomes partially centered for better focus.

This redesign also introduces a swipe-based navigation system—swipe left to see all timestamps and encryption status, or swipe right to reply or quote a message. The new approach feels more intuitive and modern, aligning with current mobile UI trends.

Read Receipts Get a Bold Makeover

Google has completely redesigned how read receipts appear in conversations. The new circular indicators sit in the bottom-right corner of message bubbles and images, making them far more prominent than before. The redesign, which began rolling out in August 2024 and saw further refinements in January 2025, features a white circular background that no longer matches the bubble color, ensuring read receipts stand out dramatically.

The new system uses a clear visual language:

• Ellipsis: Sending
• Single check with ring: Sent
• Double check with ring: Delivered
• Double check solid circle: Read

Camera Interface Gets a Material 3 Makeover

The Messages camera interface has received a significant update, with a reduced viewfinder height that now extends into the status bar. The container features rounded corners, creating a more modern aesthetic. The gallery view has been optimized to show two full rows of images, with some users seeing part of a third row depending on their device.

This change aligns Messages with Google’s broader Material 3 Expressive design language, creating a more cohesive experience across Google’s app ecosystem.

Gemini FAB Gets Bigger and Bolder

Following Material 3 Expressive guidelines, Google has enlarged the Gemini floating action button. The small component size has been deprecated, so the Gemini FAB now matches the size of the “Start chat” button when scrolling through conversations. This creates better visual hierarchy and makes the AI assistant more accessible.

Link Previews Get a Complete Redesign

Link previews, including YouTube content, have received a dramatic makeover. The new design features taller cover images, larger page titles, and prominent domain display with favicons. However, Google has controversially removed the article snippet, reducing information density in favor of a cleaner, more visual presentation.

YouTube Picture-in-Picture support has also returned with this update, though users must first fullscreen the video in Messages before accessing the PiP functionality—a somewhat cumbersome process that may frustrate power users.

Leave Unknown Group Chats: Enhanced Privacy Controls

Google has introduced a new privacy feature that allows users to quickly leave group chats created by unknown numbers. When invited by an unfamiliar contact, Messages displays an alert card above the text field explaining “Unknown sender added you,” prominently listing the number and showing how many people are in the conversation. The card also indicates if any known contacts are part of the thread.

Users can choose to leave the group, block the sender, or report the conversation—providing much-needed control over unwanted group chat invitations.

Image Viewer Gets a Material 3 Refresh

After testing began in June 2025, Google has rolled out a complete redesign of the Messages image viewer. The fullscreen interface features a blurred background, swipe navigation between images, and centralized content display. Tapping an image opens the full-size version, while the top-right corner houses various options. The bottom row shows comments and frequently used emojis, creating a social media-like experience within the messaging app.

Google has also updated how images are grouped in the conversation view, making photo-heavy conversations easier to navigate.

Viral Features and Tags

• MLS encryption – Cross-platform RCS security breakthrough
• @mentions – Get attention even when muted
• Swipe to reply – Modern messaging navigation
• Bold read receipts – Can’t miss when messages are read
• Material 3 Expressive – Google’s latest design language
• Gemini integration – AI-powered messaging assistant
• YouTube PiP – Watch videos without leaving chat
• Unknown group chat blocker – Enhanced privacy controls
• Image viewer redesign – Social media-style photo viewing
• Nano Banana Remix – Viral messaging feature
• Link preview overhaul – Visual-first content display

Technical Specifications and Rollout Status

The MLS encryption feature requires Universal Profile 3.0 support and is being rolled out gradually across carrier networks. The @mentions feature is currently in beta testing with a broader rollout planned for Q1 2026. The long-press menu redesign and read receipt updates are available to all users running Messages version 2025.01.31 or later.

Camera interface changes and Gemini FAB updates require Android 14 or later, while link preview redesigns are available on all supported Android versions. The unknown group chat feature is being rolled out in phases, starting with users in regions with high spam report rates.

Future Developments

Industry insiders suggest Google is working on additional features including:

• Message scheduling with AI-powered timing suggestions
• Enhanced media editing tools directly within the app
• Cross-platform message reactions that work between Android and iOS
• Advanced spam detection using machine learning
• Custom chat themes with Material 3 Expressive color palettes

The messaging landscape is rapidly evolving, and Google Messages is positioning itself as a feature-rich alternative to both traditional SMS and proprietary messaging platforms. With security enhancements, design overhauls, and viral-worthy features, Messages is becoming an increasingly compelling choice for Android users worldwide.

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