Story perspectives

Google Messages adds swipe timestamps and instant direct replies

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 10:35 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Google updated its Messages app with a floating long-press menu and swipe gestures.
The update rolls out server-side to Android phones in version 20260910_03_RC02.
The floating menu offers Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete, Select more, Info, Save and Remix actions.
Swiping left anywhere in a conversation displays all message timestamps and the RCS encryption status.
Swiping right on a specific bubble triggers an instant direct reply to that message.

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Story summary

Google updated its Messages app with a floating long-press menu and swipe gestures.
The update rolls out server-side to Android phones in version 20260910_03_RC02.
The floating menu offers Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, Delete, Select more, Info, Save and Remix actions.
Swiping left anywhere in a conversation displays all message timestamps and the RCS encryption status.
Swiping right on a specific bubble triggers an instant direct reply to that message.