Google Messages Beta Introduces Photo Backgrounds

Google is developing expanded customization options for its Messages app, a move that could ease the transition for users affected by Samsung's planned phase-out of its own messaging service. The enhancements, spotted in the latest beta version of the app, include features for uploading personal photos as chat backgrounds and independently adjusting bubble colors, addressing long-standing complaints about the app's limited personalization tools.

Samsung announced earlier this year that it will discontinue support for Samsung Messages in July 2026, designating Google Messages as the default SMS and RCS app on its Galaxy devices. The decision stems from closer collaboration between the two companies to standardize messaging with Rich Communication Services, or RCS, which enables features like high-quality media sharing and end-to-end encryption. Samsung Messages, while offering robust customization, no longer fully aligns with these advancements, prompting the shift to Google's platform for a more seamless experience across Android devices and even with iOS users.

Currently, Google Messages allows users to alter chat bubble and background colors through a menu option in individual...