Google is showing no signs of slowing down the updates to Google Messages. And while some updates are better than others, a few highly requested features could finally be coming that’ll improve the experience on your smartwatch.
Messaging is a core feature on a smartphone, which is why Google’s been extremely busy for the last 8–10 months releasing new features and changes. Like enhanced RCS group chats, new sensitive content warnings for photos and videos, and more. Now, anyone who uses Wear OS will love what’s coming next.
Mark as read and better emojis on your watch
Many of the features we use daily on Google Messages don’t translate to secondary devices like a smartwatch. And while you can read and send a text from your watch, things are still more limited than you’d expect. However, according to Android Authority, Google is about to improve the watch and Google Messages experience.
Instead of just seeing an emoji or reading a text message, users want to interact with them. The outlet reports that the latest Google Messages APK has code confirming that a new system is coming for reacting to an emoji or message from your watch. And sure, you might not be able to use Photomojis, but it’s a start. Two lines of code refer to picking emoji, reactions, or removing emoji reactions.
That’s not all, either. You know how you can mark Gmail emails as read right from your smartwatch? Isn’t it wild that the same functionality doesn’t exist for text messages? Apparently, after years of waiting, Google is preparing a new “Mark as read” option for Google Messages on Wear OS. This will make it easier to see and mark a message as read on your watch; that way, it won’t still show as a new message when you get to your phone. It’s amazing that this wasn’t added years ago.
Google is slowly ruining the most important app on your phone
Constant updates are great until they go too far.
For now, these aren’t fully available or working, but the fact that the features are showing up in the code suggests they’ll arrive sooner rather than later. Plus, if you’re on the beta, you may see it before a general release.
Additionally, we’re also seeing hints at a new system for copying and sharing links in Google Messages, customizable Smart Replies, and more. Basically, Google is off to a hot start here in 2026.
Source: Android Authority
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