Google Messages is reportedly in the process of testing its much-anticipated message editing feature. This comes after months of speculation, starting from December 2023, when initial reports hinted at the presence of relevant flags for editing capabilities within the RCS-powered messaging app. The feature is now making its way to beta testers, indicating that Google is nearing the completion of its development, with a wider rollout expected in the upcoming weeks.
A recent report from Phone Arena details that the editing function has been identified in the latest beta version of Google Messages, specifically messages.android_20240506_04-RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamiccom.google.android.apps.messaging. Users participating in the Google Play Store beta program for this version will have access to the editing option once a message has been sent. However, there is a noteworthy limitation: the feature will only work when the recipient is also using the same beta version.
If the recipient is not on the corresponding beta version, any edits made will not be visible to them. Industry insider AssembleDebug also corroborated this development on X (formerly Twitter), indicating that users will have a time limit of 15 minutes to modify their messages. While this aligns with WhatsApp’s editing policy, there are earlier reports suggesting that the time limit could extend to 30 minutes.
According to screenshots that have surfaced, Google has introduced a pencil icon for editing messages. To use this feature, users must long-press the message they intend to modify before selecting the pencil icon. This action brings up a text box that displays the original message for editing. After making the necessary changes, tapping a checkmark icon will confirm the edit, which will then be visible to the recipient.
Additionally, Google will include an edit history, allowing all conversation participants to view the original messages. This feature means users can make multiple edits to the same message while keeping track of all prior versions. As of now, Google has not provided any specific timeline for the global rollout of this feature.
