The Messages app in iOS 18 brings significant upgrades that transform how iPhone users communicate. The update adds scheduled message sending, enhanced text formatting with bold options, and new security features like Face ID app locking.
Apple Intelligence introduces fresh possibilities for emoji, images, and text interactions within the Messages app. Users can now solve math equations directly in the text field, making quick calculations simpler during conversations.
These improvements make the default messaging platform more competitive with third-party apps while maintaining Apple’s commitment to privacy and security. The new features work across iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, ensuring a consistent experience across Apple devices.
Overview: Google Messages in 2026
Google Messages has evolved far beyond a simple SMS app — it’s now a smart, AI-powered communication hub that blends RCS messaging, AI tools, and multimedia sharing.
The latest updates (rolling out in November 2025) bring AI remixing, @mentions, message summaries, and enhanced encryption, making it one of the most advanced messaging platforms available.
(sources: 9to5Google, Google Keyword Blog, Android Headlines)
🚀 1. @Mentions in Group Chats
You can now tag people directly in group chats using @username, similar to WhatsApp or iMessage.
- Makes it easier to grab someone’s attention in busy group threads.
- Works seamlessly with RCS group chats across Android devices.
- You’ll get a notification when someone mentions you — even if the chat is muted.
✅ Perfect for coordinating plans or work chats without missing important messages.
🎨 2. AI-Powered Image Remixing
One of the flashiest new features, AI Remix, lets you edit, enhance, or stylize photos directly in Messages before sending them.
- Tap the new “Remix” icon when sharing a photo.
- Choose from AI filters, emoji effects, or artistic styles.
- Powered by Google’s Gemini Nano AI model (running locally on-device).
(source: Google Keyword Blog – Pixel Drop, Nov 2025)
✅ Think Snapchat filters meets Google Photos — but built right into your texting app.
🧠 3. AI Chat Summaries
Long group threads? No problem. Messages now offers AI-generated summaries that highlight:
- Key points from long conversations
- Missed messages while you were offline
- Action items or event details
You’ll see a “Summarize” button at the top of long chats.
✅ Ideal for catching up quickly after being away from your phone.
🔐 4. Enhanced End-to-End Encryption
Google continues to improve RCS encryption:
- Now includes group chats and multi-device support.
- Uses Signal Protocol-based encryption, ensuring privacy across Android devices.
- You’ll see a lock icon confirming encrypted chats.
✅ Your texts, photos, and videos stay private — even from Google.
⚠️ 5. AI Scam & Spam Alerts
Messages now includes AI-powered scam detection that scans incoming texts for suspicious patterns.
- Warns you if a message looks like phishing or fraud.
- Works for both SMS and RCS messages.
- Uses on-device AI — meaning your messages aren’t sent to Google’s servers for analysis.
✅ A major upgrade for protecting users from fake delivery or bank scam texts.
📸 6. Integrated Camera & Photo Tools
The camera interface inside Messages has been redesigned:
- Quicker access to video and selfie modes.
- Instant photo editing (crop, filters, markup).
- AI-powered “Best Take” suggestions for group selfies.
✅ Makes sharing photos feel as fluid as using Google Photos.
🧩 7. Cross-Platform Compatibility (Coming Soon)
Following Apple’s announcement that iPhones will support RCS in 2025, Google is preparing for seamless texting between Android and iPhone users:
- Better media quality (no more blurry videos).
- Read receipts and typing indicators across platforms.
- End-to-end encryption between Android and iOS users (expected rollout in 2026).
(source: Forbes)
✅ The long-standing “green vs. blue bubble” divide is finally closing.
🧩 8. Smart Reply & Emoji Suggestions
Google Messages now uses on-device AI to suggest:
- Quick replies based on context
- Emojis or GIFs that match your tone
- Smart actions (like “Add to Calendar” for event messages)
✅ Makes texting faster, more expressive, and more intuitive.
🎧 9. Voice Message Transcription (Upgraded)
Voice messages are now automatically transcribed using Google’s improved speech recognition.
- Works offline on Pixel devices.
- Supports multiple languages.
- Lets you read messages when you can’t play audio.
✅ Perfect for noisy environments or accessibility needs.
🌈 10. Custom Themes & Dynamic Colors
Google added Material You 2.0 support, allowing full customization of chat themes:
- Match system colors or choose custom gradients.
- Apply per-chat themes (like iMessage).
- Animated backgrounds and emoji reactions.
✅ Your chat app finally looks as personal as your home screen.
🧭 Bonus: Integration with Other Google Apps
Messages now connects more deeply with:
- Google Photos (for sharing albums)
- Google Maps (for sending locations)
- Google Pay (for peer-to-peer payments in supported regions)
✅ A unified messaging experience that ties into Google’s entire ecosystem.
⚙️ How to Get the New Features
- Update Google Messages via the Play Store.
- Join the Messages Beta Program for early access.
- Ensure RCS Chat features are enabled:
- Open Messages → Settings → RCS Chats → Turn On.
- Make sure your carrier supports RCS (most global carriers now do).
🧠 Final Thoughts
The November 2025 Google Messages update transforms texting into a smarter, safer, and more expressive experience.
With AI assistance, creative tools, and end-to-end encryption, Messages is now a serious rival to iMessage — and a glimpse of what the future of communication looks like.
In summary:
The new Google Messages features — from AI summaries to photo remixing — make texting more intelligent, expressive, and secure than ever before.
Key Takeaways
- iOS 18 adds message scheduling and advanced text formatting to improve communication flexibility
- New security options protect private conversations with Face ID and Touch ID locks
- Apple Intelligence enhances the messaging experience with smart features for emoji and text interactions
Enhancing Communication with Advanced Messaging Features
iOS 18 brings significant updates to the Messages app with new text formatting options, smart communication tools, and enhanced group messaging capabilities. These features transform the basic texting experience into a more versatile communication platform.
Interactive Messaging Enhancements
Message scheduling lets users pick specific times to send texts – perfect for birthdays, reminders, or coordinating across time zones. The new check-in feature adds safety monitoring for friends and family.
Group conversations gain improved organization with pinned messages and the ability to mark chats as unread. Users can now edit or unsend messages within a time limit.
The Messages app introduces expanded Tapback reactions with more emoji options. The Image Playground feature creates custom stickers from photos, while Memoji and Genmoji add personality to conversations.
Text Formatting and Rich Content
Messages now supports rich text formatting with bold, italic, and strikethrough options. These writing tools help emphasize important information or add visual structure to longer messages.
The app can solve math equations directly in the text field – helpful for quick calculations or homework help.
New animated effects bring messages to life with subtle movements and transitions. These visual elements make conversations more engaging without being distracting.
Enhanced Messaging Technologies
Face ID and Touch ID now protect access to Messages, adding an extra layer of security for private conversations.
RCS messaging support enables better communication between iPhone and Android devices, including:
- High-quality photos and videos
- Read receipts
- Typing indicators
- Better group chats
Messages via satellite maintains communication in areas without cellular coverage, though with limited functionality focused on essential communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Messaging apps continue to evolve with new features for enhanced communication, security, and user experience across different platforms and operating systems.
What enhancements have been introduced in the latest iPhone Messages app update?
iOS 18 brings several notable upgrades to the Messages app. Users can now schedule messages for future delivery and format text with bold styling.
The check-in feature helps users stay connected with friends and family by automatically notifying them of safe arrivals at destinations.
The app includes expanded sticker options and new tapback reactions for more expressive conversations.
Can you outline the new functionalities added to the Google Messages app?
Google Messages has implemented RCS messaging support for enhanced multimedia sharing and read receipts.
The app features AI-powered smart replies and message categorization to help organize conversations.
What features have been added to the Messages app in the most recent Android update?
Android’s messaging platform now supports end-to-end encryption for individual and group chats.
The platform includes bubble notifications for quick responses without opening the full app.
Smart reply suggestions have been improved with more contextual awareness.
How has the Samsung Messages app improved with its latest version?
Samsung Messages now integrates more smoothly with other Samsung devices through Link to Windows.
The app includes enhanced spam protection and automated message filtering.
What are the key features of the new iOS 18 message update?
Apple Intelligence brings new capabilities for emoji suggestions and image handling in iOS 18.2.
Text formatting options now include additional styling choices beyond basic bold text.
The Messages app has improved security features and end-to-end encryption for all conversations.
How can I access and use the Google Messages app on the web?
Users can access Google Messages through messages.google.com after scanning a QR code with their phone.
The web interface supports most mobile features, including file sharing and emoji reactions.
Message history syncs automatically between devices when signed into the same Google account.
