Skip to content
General

Google Chat expands its message bubbles to iPhones

By Aiko Tanaka
2 min read
google chat 607ec5940f0c1
google chat 607ec5940f0c1
In this article (5)

Google Chat is getting a visual upgrade with the introduction of message bubbles on iOS devices. This feature, which was previously available only on web and Android, makes it easier to differentiate between incoming and outgoing messages, leading to a more streamlined and intuitive messaging experience.

With message bubbles now available on iOS, users will see each incoming message displayed in a standalone bubble aligned to one side of the chat window, with a solid color background. Outgoing messages, on the other hand, will appear in their own distinct bubble on the opposite side, using a different color background. This visual separation ensures clear and effortless differentiation between messages, enhancing the overall chat experience.

Message bubbles not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Google Chat but also promote improved message comprehension and reduced confusion. By clearly distinguishing between incoming and outgoing messages, users can effortlessly follow conversations and quickly identify their own contributions. This feature proves particularly beneficial for group chats, where multiple participants are actively engaging.

The rollout of message bubbles to iOS devices will be automatic, requiring no action from admins or end users. The update will begin to show up for users today and will gradually roll out over the coming weeks — up to two weeks to be exact — ensuring a seamless transition for all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts.

Message bubbles in Google Chat are one way in which Google is expanding its app features that were previously only present on the Android and web apps, to iPhone. For example, just today Google also brought  its revamped Google Drive scanner and title suggestion capabilities to iOS as well. This expansion to iOS devices further solidifies Google’s commitment to providing a user-friendly and intuitive messaging experience across all platforms.

Questions & Answers

Q.

How will the new message bubbles visually distinguish between incoming and outgoing messages on iOS?

A.

Incoming messages will appear in a standalone bubble on one side of the chat window with a solid colour background. Outgoing messages will be in their own distinct bubble on the opposite side, using a different colour background.

Q.

Does this update require any action from administrators or users to activate the new feature?

A.

No, the rollout of message bubbles to iOS devices will be automatic. No action is required from either admins or end users for the update to appear.

Q.

When can iPhone users expect to see the message bubbles feature active in their Google Chat app?

A.

The update started showing up for users today and will gradually roll out over the coming weeks. It should be available to all users within a maximum of two weeks.

Q.

Were these message bubbles a new feature across all Google Chat platforms, or already available elsewhere?

A.

The message bubble feature was previously available on web and Android versions of Google Chat. This update specifically brings it to iOS devices for the first time.

Reader pulse

Is Google Chat's iOS update significant?

16,832 votes so far

Weekly Briefing

Asia's retail intelligence, in your inbox

Tuesday, Thursday and a Saturday Weekly Wrap: the retail stories, numbers and moves that mattered across Asia. Nothing else, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

  • Top industry moves and market shifts
  • Weekly data-driven analysis from across Asia
  • Tuesday, Thursday and the Saturday Weekly Wrap

Read by retail operators, investors and brand teams across Asia.

Protected by a quick human check. No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click.

SecureGDPR ready