Google Messages is about to look very different — here's what's new
There's plenty of changes coming
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
Daily (Mon-Sun)
Tom's Guide Daily
Sign up to get the latest updates on all of your favorite content! From cutting-edge tech news and the hottest streaming buzz to unbeatable deals on the best products and in-depth reviews, we’ve got you covered.
Weekly on Thursday
Tom's AI Guide
Be AI savvy with your weekly newsletter summing up all the biggest AI news you need to know. Plus, analysis from our AI editor and tips on how to use the latest AI tools!
Weekly on Friday
Tom's iGuide
Unlock the vast world of Apple news straight to your inbox. With coverage on everything from exciting product launches to essential software updates, this is your go-to source for the latest updates on all the best Apple content.
Weekly on Monday
Tom's Streaming Guide
Our weekly newsletter is expertly crafted to immerse you in the world of streaming. Stay updated on the latest releases and our top recommendations across your favorite streaming platforms.
Join the club
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.
It appears Google is working to add several changes to its Android Messages app in an effort to improve the overall user experience.
This news comes from an APK breakdown by known source Assemble Debug, via Android Authority, who found the changes in the code for the current version of Google Messages. The first change is a redesign of how the chat bubbles appear, separating each message into an oval which clearly defines each new message. It will also be possible to tap on a person's profile image to see a bigger version of the image, but this won't work for profile images in group chats.
The next change will see the Google Messages app show the name of the SIM card that the device is using to send the messages, making it much easier for anyone with a dual sim phone. Finally, it seems Google is improving the GIF menu in the Messages app. The current version of the app has users select hashtags to find relevant GIFs, but the APK revealed that the new version has separated them into categories.
Google has been working hard to improve the Message app in recent months. For instance, it was recently reported that Google Messages will no longer compress images sent through RCS messaging. Not only that, it appears that Google has implemented a feature that allows users to edit messages that have already been sent, which has been a hit on WhatsApp.
It isn't just the messaging app Google is working to fix, with the company adding changes to many of its services. For instance, Google recently released an update that allows users to sync their passwords between devices and platforms. We have also seen Google integrate new smart replies into Gmail that are crafted by the Gemini AI and will even appear on the iOS version.
Google is constantly working to improve its services and, while features found in APK teardowns do not necessarily always appear on devices, these all seem pretty likely to be added soon.
If you are thinking of picking up a new phone to get the most out of Google's changes then it's worth it to check out some of the Prime Day phone deals live now.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
More from Tom's Guide
- Samsung Galaxy S25 could turn to a new chip — and it may not be Snapdragon
- Dimensity 9400 mobile chip revealed — triple-foldable support, advanced AI features and more
- This could be our first look at One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra

Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer.










