Group Chat Messages: New Ability - Automatic Deletion of Sent Messages for All Recipients by Google Messages
Google Introduces Cross-Device Message Deletion Feature in Messages App
In a move to improve messaging experience, Google has rolled out a new feature in its Messages app, allowing users to delete sent messages from their own device and recipients' devices simultaneously.
The feature, based on Rich Communication Services (RCS), a modern messaging standard that enhances regular SMS capabilities, is available for users who use Messages with RCS support. To use it, a user presses and holds a message bubble, taps the trash-can icon, and chooses either “Delete for me” or “Delete for everyone.” If “Delete for everyone” is selected, the message is removed from all devices and replaced with a “Message deleted” placeholder visible to all participants, provided everyone is running the latest Google Messages app with RCS enabled.
However, it's worth noting that this feature works only when all participants are using RCS messaging with the latest Google Messages app. If any participant uses an older app or a non-RCS protocol, the message cannot be deleted from their device.
Regarding Apple, the available data indicates that Apple has not adopted RCS messaging as its standard. Instead, Apple continues to use its proprietary iMessage system for rich messaging features, which already includes message deletion ("unsend") capabilities since 2022. Therefore, cross-platform RCS message deletion with Apple devices is not supported.
Google's latest feature was previously tested in the beta version of the Messages app, and the company has now released the final beta of Android 16 ahead of its September release. This new Android version is expected to further enhance the functionality of the Messages app, making it more user-friendly and feature-rich.
[1] Source: Google Developers - RCS Messaging [2] Source: Android Central - Google Messages gets RCS-powered message deletion feature [3] Source: 9to5Google - Google Messages beta gets RCS-powered message deletion feature [4] Source: XDA Developers - Google Messages gets RCS-powered message deletion feature [5] Source: The Verge - Google Messages gets RCS-powered message deletion feature
- The introduction of the cross-device message deletion feature in Google's Messages app underscores the company's commitment to enhancing messaging technology, potentially giving smartphone users more control over their gadgets and conversations.
- As the RCS standard continues to advance, science and technology are merging to offer innovative solutions like deleting messages across multiple devices, transforming the way we communicate through gadgets and smartphones.
