Messages Gets Swipe-Based Timestamps and Reply Gestures

Google Messages is updating its user interface to include swipe gestures for viewing timestamps and other metadata. This new design, which was first spotted in development two years ago, allows users to swipe left on a message to view its timestamp and encryption status.

The previous version of the app required users to tap on each message individually to access this information, but the new interface shows all the metadata at once.

Additionally, swiping right on a message now allows users to send a direct reply. The changes have been spotted in version 20260910_03_RC02 of Messages, although it's unclear if this release is required to get the new interface.