Read receipts in Google Messages look different, but nobody knows why
Like most messaging apps, Google Messages uses indicators for each stage of the message delivery system, split into Sending , Sent , Delivered , and Read .
In August 2024, we started seeing hints of a major redesign to read receipts, incorporating slightly different ring and checkmark indicators directly into the message bubble rather than below. We've since seen the redesign roll out more broadly to users , with the most recent rollout occurring earlier this year.
Now, reporting by 9to5Google shines light on what appears to be a regression of this particular design update. In some beta versions of Google Messages, the read receipts have begun appearing directly below the message bubble, and in their older avatar. The publication notes seeing this on one device featuring a beta of the messaging app.
A quick check on my Pixel device also shows this regression in Google Messages ( version 20260423_00 beta), with the read receipts sitting between the timestamp and the encryption icon. Notably, the two checkmarks are placed separately, rather than inside a circle.
Could this simply be a bug?
What's also interesting about this redesign is that the icons on the View details page are unaffected. This page continues to use the icons that we've seen roll out in phases since late 2024 for Sent, Delivered, and Readin the messaging app (shown above).
The folks at 9to5Google, on the other hand, are also seeing the older read receipts, but with the timestamp and encryption indicators hidden away and revealed only by a left swipe on the message. Meanwhile, a right swipe lets you reply to that message.
This suggests Google Messages is testing at least a couple of variations of this old read receipts design. These varying design tweaks we've spotted in the beta don't necessarily mean Google is widely considering the idea. However, it is somewhat surprising to see this without a proper explanation from the developers.
More importantly, it makes little sense to have these read receipts represented by one icon in the chat and a different icon on the View details page. This may give credence to the notion that this is a glitch rather than a deliberate change by Google Messages. Hopefully, the upcoming betas of Google Messages will offer more details on these changes.
If you're not particularly fond of read receipts for RCS chats, they can be disabled by heading over to Messages settings> RCS chatsin Google Messages.
Are you seeing this redesign of read receipts in the app?
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