Google Messages, the default messaging app for Android, is reportedly testing a new “delete for everyone” feature for RCS chats. This highly anticipated functionality will allow users to unsend messages, similar to popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Currently, deleting a message in Google Messages only removes it from the user’s device, leaving it visible to other participants in the conversation.
RCS “Delete for Everyone” Functionality
This new feature will finally bring parity with third-party messaging apps, allowing users to retract messages sent in error or regret. 9to5Google discovered references to this under-development feature, indicating a potential wider rollout in the near future. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, the implications for Android users are significant. Once implemented, deleted messages will be replaced with a notification indicating their removal.
Similar to other platforms, the ability to unsend messages will likely be time-limited, possibly to a few minutes after sending. This aligns with the practices of other messaging services and helps maintain conversational integrity.
Google Messages app on a Pixel 8 Pro, showing an RCS Chat message thread.
Compatibility with Apple’s Messages App and RCS Adoption
The development of this feature coincides with recent advancements in RCS adoption. While Google has championed RCS for years, Apple recently joined the fold with optional support in iOS 18 for iPhones and iPads with cellular connectivity. RCS on iOS works alongside iMessage, offering similar functionality when messaging Android users. Interestingly, iMessage already offers an “Undo Send” feature for Apple users, but this functionality is currently lacking for RCS communication.
Since RCS requires activation by all participants in a chat, the “delete for everyone” feature in Google Messages will depend on Apple implementing compatible functionality. Until then, Android users might not be able to fully utilize this feature when messaging iPhone users. Similarly, users with older versions of Google Messages may still see deleted messages until they update to the latest version.
Enhanced Messaging Experience with Google Messages
The “delete for everyone” feature is part of Google’s ongoing effort to enhance the messaging experience within its app. Recent updates have included sending high-quality images, improved cloud backup and restore functionality, and even testing of end-to-end encryption for conversations with other RCS-compliant apps like Samsung Messages.
Future of RCS Messaging
The introduction of the “delete for everyone” feature, combined with broader RCS adoption, signifies a step towards a more unified and feature-rich messaging experience across platforms. While the exact rollout date remains unknown, the development underscores Google’s commitment to improving RCS and providing users with more control over their conversations. This feature, along with other ongoing improvements, promises a more seamless and robust messaging experience for Android users.
