Google Messages may receive a new user interface optimized for both large and small screens.
A huge UI improvement is coming to the Google Messages app.
In 2011, Samsung introduced the Galaxy Note with its 5.3-inch display, pioneering the "phablet" category, a blend of phone and tablet. As Android screens grew, reaching app elements one-handed became difficult, especially in apps like Google Messages.
Reaching the upper-right hamburger menu on large screens can be a challenge. Google is addressing this issue by replacing the hamburger menu in Google Messages with context menus, providing easier access to key features. Currently, long-pressing a message puts options like the delete button at the top, which requires a considerable reach.
Tapping the hamburger icon after long-pressing on an open chat reveals options such as Reply, Share, Forward, and View Details, all potentially requiring a stretch. Google appears to be changing this. Android Authority has discovered in Google Messages v20251020 beta that the hamburger menu will be replaced with a context menu. Reactions will stay above the chat, and activating the context menu via long-press will display options right below the selected chat.
The available options will depend on the chat content. For instance, long-pressing a recently sent message will include an Edit option. Similarly, long-pressing an image will present a Save option.
Positioning these options directly under the chat will allow users to select them more easily.
The updated interface will also clearly indicate selected chats, displaying check marks on chosen messages. Users can tap a filled check mark to deselect or an empty circle to select a message.
This UI is exclusive to the Google Messages app. Those using third-party apps from carriers or phone manufacturers will not have it. The Google Messages app is available on the Google Play Store.
The new UI is not yet present on a Pixel 6 Pro running Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3.1.
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