Google Messages Gets Full‑Screen “Details” Page.

Key Takeaway.

• Google Messages has replaced the old pop-up with a full-screen message details view for better readability.
• New visual icons now clearly indicate if a message is sent, delivered, or read.

The Google Messages app is receiving a significant UI enhancement to its message details page, switching from cramped pop-ups to a striking full‑screen redesign based on Material 3's Expressive layout elements.

Previously, long‑pressing a message and opening “View details” showed a small dialog overlaying part of the chat. Now, users see a clean full‑screen view that previews the selected message along with delivery metadata like sent, delivered, and read status. These indicators use new visual cues: a checkmark circle means sent, two checkmarks mean delivered, and a filled‑in circle after two checkmarks means read.

The new “Details” page also displays the sender’s name and phone number—but omits fields like message type (e.g. RCS with end‑to‑end encryption) and priority levels. This marks the first time Google Messages uses M3 Expressive containers, setting the stage for more such UI upgrades across the app.

What is Included in the Design Upgrade?

The redesign is rolling out broadly, including on both stable (build 20250713_01_RC04) and beta (20250725_02_RC00) versions of Google Messages. While full redesigns for Android phones are still in beta, Wear OS versions already display M3 Expressive styling, with tinted buttons, sleek bubbles, and refreshed icons.

Earlier this month, Google began blending camera and gallery access into a unified interface and now supports sending media in two quality levels: HD for optimized sharing and HD+ for original quality. The revamped message field limit now spans up to 14 lines, up from just four.

These UI refinements coincide with broader messaging improvements like group chat customization, spam and sensitive content warnings, and better support for RCS and MLS encryption across platforms.

Why Google Messages Update Matters?

This update enhances both usability and presentation: no more cropping screenshots to hide irrelevant chat content, and the full‑screen preview delivers visual clarity. “View details” is now a functional hub, not just a modal box.

By adopting Material 3 Expressive design, Google is unifying the look and feel of Messages across devices, offering users a consistent experience whether on Android or Wear OS. Enhanced status indicators and clearer UX also improve message tracking and reliability.

Looking ahead, expect Google to extend M3 Expressive styling to other areas of the app—potentially conversation view, media viewer, and group settings. Additional message details like encryption status and priority labels may also be included. If you're using the beta or stable version cited above, look for updates via the Play Store.