Google Messages May Allow Unsend For RCS Chats

Google Messages, the standard messaging application for Android devices, may soon introduce enhancements allowing users to unsend messages similar to functionalities found in various third-party messaging apps. This unsend feature is currently under evaluation and will be supported for conversations using the RCS protocol, which offers an upgraded messaging experience over traditional SMS with better multimedia, emoji, and reactions.

At present, deleting a message only removes it from your device and has no effect on other participants in the conversation. However, Google is exploring a “delete for everyone” feature that will enable users to remove messages from the chats of all participants, akin to what is available on instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Sources such as 9to5Google have identified signs of this feature in development, hinting at a potential rollout to a broader audience, though the specific launch date remains unclear.

When a message is deleted, it will be replaced by a notification indicating its deletion. Similar to other messaging apps, there may be a time limit on the ability to delete messages, likely confined to a few minutes after sending them.

This capability aligns with the guidelines set forth by the GSM Association. The RCS Universal Profile version 2.7 mandates that all compatible devices and applications must include features to edit, delete, and recall messages.

Potential Compatibility with Apple’s Messages App

While Google has been integral in enhancing texting through its various RCS-enabled applications for years, Apple has recently entered the fray after much hesitation. With the introduction of iOS 18, iPhones and cellular-enabled iPads now offer optional RCS chat support within their Messages app. This integration works in tandem with Apple’s iMessage system and provides similar functionality for messaging Android users. It’s worth noting that iMessage possesses an “Undo send” capability, but this feature is still lacking in the RCS context.

Since RCS operates only when enabled for all participants in a conversation, Android users might not be able to leverage this new functionality without a corresponding implementation from Apple. Additionally, users with outdated versions of Google Messages may still see deleted messages until Google prompts everyone to update the application.

As previously mentioned, this feature is still undergoing tests, and its official launch date has yet to be confirmed. Alongside this update, Google has been enhancing the app by allowing the sending of high-quality images, enhancing cloud backup and restore options, and even exploring end-to-end encryption for interactions with other RCS-compliant applications, including Samsung Messages.