Big pinned-chat photos, bottom search and a corner Gemini button are in testing now.
Google is testing a Google Messages homepage redesign with beta testers. Pinned chats, search and the Gemini button all move.
Pinned conversations become large contact photos above your list, iMessage-style. The catch: no message preview and no timestamp.
Search becomes a floating button next to Start chat, which makes the app easier to use with one hand.
The floating Gemini button is gone. A smaller one now sits in the top-right corner, next to your profile photo.
It is a server-side test on build 20261030_00_RC00. Google has not set a stable release date, and a six-pin cap is unconfirmed.
Google Messages Redesign: Pinned Chats Go iMessage-Style, Search Drops to the Bottom