Introduction: Dive into Google Messages’ August 2025 rollout of groundbreaking RCS features—from editing and encryption to UI redesigns and usability boosts. Discover what’s new, how it elevates messaging, and real‑world tips for Android users.
What Makes August 2025 a Major Month for Google Messages
Google is gradually rolling out numerous feature enhancements in Google Messages throughout August 2025. These align with the latest RCS (Rich Communication Services) Universal Profile 3.1 standard, bringing innovations such as cross‑platform editing and MLS encryption to users worldwide. This update marks a key inflection point in modern messaging capabilities.
Expert Overview of Key New Features
RCS Message Editing to iPhone Devices
Android users can now edit messages sent to iPhones within a 15‑minute window—similar to Android‑to‑Android editing that’s already available. This capability relies on RCS Universal Profile 3.0 and is gradually rolling out via server‑side updates
To iPhone recipients, an edited message appears as a new message with an asterisk, since iOS does not yet support inline editing of RCS edits. While iPhone‑to‑Android editing is not supported yet, full cross‑platform parity is expected later.
End‑to‑End Encryption via MLS (Messaging Layer Security)
With RCS Universal Profile 3.0, Google Messages now supports MLS encryption for secure cross‑platform messaging—meaning encryption works whether you’re messaging another Android or an iPhone running iOS 18+.
This modern encryption model enhances privacy and helps users trust that messages remain confidential from endpoints to servers.
Dual‑SIM RCS Support
Android devices with multiple SIM cards now support RCS on both lines. The settings screen shows both SIMs as “Connected,” making RCS truly usable on dual‑SIM phones.
RCS Badge in Contact List & RCS Invitations
- Google Messages now displays an RCS status badge next to contacts who support RCS—visible when you tap “New chat”.
- Hidden strings in app code suggest new prompts like “Invite this contact to RCS chat,” encouraging users to help friends upgrade
Material 3 Expressive UI Redesign
Google is applying the Material 3 Expressive design across Google Messages on phones and Wear OS devices. Expect visual changes including container‑style layouts, pill‑shaped controls, redesigned chat bubbles, grouped media previews, and richer emoji/GIF pickers.
Standalone Gallery & Original Quality Media Sending
The merged camera‑gallery interface now lets users open a dedicated gallery grid separately, while the camera viewfinder remains available from the compose box. Plus, users can choose between “HD” (compressed) or “HD+” (original resolution) quality when sending media.
Additional Usability & Safety Upgrades
- Snooze Notifications: Silence chats for 1h, 8h, 24h or indefinitely by long‑pressing conversation or via details page .
- Delete for Everyone: RCS users can delete a message for everyone—even if recipients are on older app versions (they may still see the message).
- Read Receipts Redesign: Timestamps appear via swipe; read receipt icons now solid circles with white background for better visibility.
- Sensitive Content Warnings: Blurs potentially nude images on-device, giving users control to delete before viewing.
Real‑World Examples & Tips from the Field
Here’s how users around the world are benefiting:
Example: Editing an Errant Message
Imagine you send a message to a friend with a typo or wrong info. Now within 15 minutes, you can correct it—even if they’re using iPhone. They’ll see a new message with an asterisk, so context stays clear.
Example: Dual‑SIM Travelers
If you frequently travel with dual‑SIM devices, RCS support on both lines prevents message format mismatches and ensures consistent message quality across contacts in different countries.
Example: Invites to Move Friends to RCS
When a loved one doesn’t have RCS enabled, the app prompt helps you encourage them to switch so group chats are richer, encrypted, and include features like typing indicators.
Example: Sending Vacation Photos
Want to share hi‑res beach photos? Choosing “Original quality” ensures your full-resolution pics arrive intact, excellent for capturing detail—particularly meaningful if you’re a photographer or want sharp visuals.
Why These Features Matter: Expert Insights
- Seamless cross‑platform experience: Editing and encryption between Android and iOS significantly bridges the gap versus proprietary systems like iMessage or WhatsApp.
- Privacy and trustworthiness: MLS encryption is future‑proof and standardized, not a custom Google‑only solution—enhancing authoritativeness in messaging privacy.
- Design consistency: Material 3 Expressive ensures Gmail, Calendar, Messages, and Watch apps feel and function cohesively.
- Guided adoption: RCS invite flows and badges help grow the network gently without needing manual tech explanations.
Frequently Asked Questions (Optimized for People Also Ask)
What exactly is rolling out in August 2025?
New RCS features are entering wider availability this August—particularly message editing across Android→iPhone, MLS encryption, dual‑SIM support, UI redesigns, and privacy safeguards.
How long can I edit a message sent to an iPhone?
You can edit up to 15 minutes after sending. The iPhone recipient sees the edited message as a new message marked with an asterisk.
Is messaging secure now?
Yes. Google Messages now supports MLS end‑to‑end encryption under RCS Universal Profile 3.0, meaning messages are encrypted even cross‑platform.
Do I need Android 16 or newer?
Some interface features may target Android 16 or Material 3 support, but most RCS enhancements including editing and encryption are server-side and available on Android 10+. UI elements may appear gradually on older devices.
Why don’t edited messages show inline on iPhone?
Apple’s Messages app doesn’t yet support inline editing annotations for RCS. Until Apple updates iOS, edited messages appear as new bubbles with an asterisk.
How to Get the Best from These Updates
- Make sure both sender and recipient have RCS enabled in Settings → RCS chats.
- Encourage friends to accept RCS invites so rich features work in group threads.
- Use media quality settings deliberately: “HD+” for detail, “HD” to save data or speed up transfers.
- Long‑press chats to snooze, or enable sensitive content warnings to stay in control of media visibility.
- Update Google Messages to the latest stable or beta to access features as soon as they are available.
Conclusion
August 2025 marks a milestone for Google Messages and the broader RCS ecosystem. With features like cross‑platform message editing, MLS encryption, dual‑SIM support, refreshed UI, and intelligent prompts, Google is transforming everyday texting. These changes deliver real value—helping users communicate more clearly, securely, and aesthetically.
Ready to upgrade your messaging experience? Make sure you’re on the latest Google Messages version, invite your contacts to RCS, and explore settings to enable encryption, adjust media quality, and try the new snooze and safety features.
Call‑to‑action: Encourage readers to share their experience—“Have you edited a message on iPhone yet? Drop a comment below and share your feedback!”
