Google Messages Overhauls Swipe Gestures in Latest Update

Google Messages has rolled out a redesign that includes new swipe gestures for accessing timestamps and direct replies. The changes aim to improve user experience by making it easier to view message sent times, read receipts, and RCS lock icon statuses.

To see the timestamps, users can now swipe left anywhere in a conversation. This also displays the RCS encryption status. The redesign has been widely rolled out, but some inconsistencies remain, such as the display of the old two-circle look on individual messages' Details pages and the homepage.

One major disruption introduced by this redesign is the change in swipe behavior for direct replies. Users now need to swipe right on a message bubble instead of tapping it. A brief hint about the new behavior will appear when users tap on a message, displaying timestamps as a clue.