Google has introduced new chat themes in Google Messages, allowing users to set custom backgrounds from photos or built-in options and adjust bubble colors to match. This update enhances personalization beyond the previous limited bubble color choices. However, themes are currently visible only to the sender, unlike Apple Messages which syncs backgrounds across devices.

The author notes a missed opportunity to integrate on-device AI background generation via Gemini Nano, similar to Apple Intelligence features. A bug was also observed where tapping a theme without applying it then exiting causes the app to freeze, requiring a full restart to resolve. While the update makes chats more fun and visually engaging, improvements like cross-device syncing and AI-generated backgrounds could bring Google Messages closer to competing platforms.

The feature reflects Google’s ongoing effort to modernize Messages with RCS and AI integration, though user experience refinements are still needed.