Google Messages now lets users copy selected parts of messages

    The status of new features in the Google Messages app as of 27 September 2026 has been announced. New swipe gestures, the ability to copy part of a message, and an official chat section about updates are being added to the stable version. According to the 27 September update, some features are still being rolled out gradually to beta users.    During beta testing, the option to connect to Messages for web using a QR code is gradually being phased out. In the future, the service will only be accessible through a Google Account. However, the QR code option was still available at the end of April. Read indicators now appear inside a circle in the lower-right corner of message and image bubbles. This design, which first appeared in August 2024, is now becoming available to more users.    In the stable version, users can swipe a conversation to the left to see when a message was sent and the lock icon indicating that the RCS conversation is encrypted. To reply to a message, its bubble must be swiped to the right. Tapping a message makes the read indicators reappear. The menu that opens when a message is long-pressed allows users to copy only a selected part of the message.    After iOS 27 was released in September, RCS conversations between Android and iPhone were also improved. Users can now reply directly by quoting a previous message. Reactions to photos display the emoji itself instead of a text description. Google Keep integration makes it possible to create and share a note from within a conversation. A preview of the shared note is also displayed directly in the conversation.    New conversation themes allow users to change the colors and background. There are 9 color options for message bubbles, while Dynamic Color matches the colors to the conversation background. Users can upload their own image or choose from preset collections such as animals, architecture, cities, nature, and space. The selected theme is visible only on that device.    Real-time location sharing, the ability to mention people by name in group RCS conversations, and a trash folder for deleted messages were previously added to the stable version. A system powered by Gemini detects scam attempts and spam links and displays warnings about sensitive content. Users can also edit messages, delete them for everyone, and temporarily pause notifications. There is also an option to send images without reducing their quality.