Users May Soon Get Ability to Edit Text Messages on Google Messages

There are hints that Google Messages might soon introduce a text editing feature, allowing users to rectify typos or update messages after sending them.

The discovery was made through a recent teardown of the app’s code by TheSpAndroid, uncovering four new flags within the November update:

1. bugle.enable_edit_ui
2. bugle.load_edit_history
3. bugle.process_outgoing_edits
4. bugle.process_incoming_edits

These flags suggest the presence of a chat app with message-editing capabilities. The first flag implies an interface for making changes, while another indicates the ability to view previous edits. The third and fourth flags define the processes for sending and receiving edits.

Additionally, the teardown suggests the implementation of a new database to store edit metadata, including timestamps and revision history, indicating a comprehensive editing experience with detailed change tracking.

While message editing isn’t officially part of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard, Google has a history of introducing features beyond the standard, as seen with the addition of end-to-end encryption in Messages.

The timeline for the introduction of this text-editing feature remains uncertain. The beta build currently provides no clues, and it’s possible that the feature is still in development. However, there’s also a chance that Google could reconsider its implementation if deemed impractical.

Message editing is a common feature in various messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, and Google might be aligning with this trend by considering its addition to the Messages app. In the meantime, Google has already enhanced Messages with features like PhotoMoji reactions, screen effects, and more to elevate its capabilities. Check out the full details of these additions for an enriched messaging experience.