Google Messages is rolling out a significant redesign to beta testers, prioritizing pinned conversations with a dedicated space above the regular message list. The new interface, inspired by Apple's iMessage, features larger contact photos and a more visual layout. However, the redesign takes up more screen space, pushing recent conversations lower and requiring more scrolling to reach unpinned chats.
Early feedback from Reddit users is mixed, with some welcoming the cleaner look and others criticizing the cluttered top of the app and awkward empty pin placeholders. Google is also experimenting with a new search experience, moving the search function to a floating action button near the "Start chat" button. The rollout is patchy, with some beta testers on version 20261030_00_RC00 receiving the update via server-side changes, while others have not.
Users have also reported choppy animations and inconsistent interface changes. Despite the visual refresh, there are calls for an option to switch between compact and expanded pinned chat modes to maintain convenience. The final stable release date has not been set.
Source: Android Central · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing