Google Messages Expands Chat Themes to SMS Texts
Custom chat themes now available for standard SMS conversations in Google Messages.
1Feature expansion to SMS
Google Messages has extended its chat themes feature to standard SMS conversations, previously limited to RCS chats. This allows users to personalize SMS texts with custom themes, similar to RCS. The update appears to be rolling out quietly, with some Pixel users already seeing the option. The feature maintains individual theme settings rather than applying to entire conversations.
2Evolution of customization
Google Messages introduced chat themes for RCS in August 2023, following initial discovery in May. The feature originally offered color customization for RCS chats before expanding to full themes. This latest development removes the RCS requirement, making themes available for all text conversations. The rollout seems gradual, with Pixel 6a users among the first to notice the change.
3User discovery
The SMS theme capability was first spotted by a Reddit user before being confirmed by other Pixel owners. Some users report seeing a red dot prompt encouraging them to try the new feature. Unlike RCS themes which required both parties to use Google Messages, SMS themes appear to work independently of the recipient's app. This individual-based approach may have enabled the SMS expansion.
4Implementation details
The themes apply only to the sender's view of SMS conversations, not affecting how recipients see messages. This one-sided implementation avoids compatibility issues with non-Google messaging apps. Users can select from various color and design options previously exclusive to RCS. The feature maintains Google's Material You design language across both SMS and RCS interfaces.
5Technical considerations
Bringing themes to SMS required overcoming technical limitations since SMS lacks rich messaging capabilities. Google's solution applies themes locally rather than embedding formatting in messages. This approach ensures themes work with any SMS recipient while maintaining message compatibility. The update demonstrates Google's commitment to enhancing basic texting features.
6User experience impact
The change gives SMS users access to personalization features previously reserved for modern messaging protocols. While functionally similar to RCS themes, SMS implementation shows visual differences to distinguish message types. Early adopters report the feature works seamlessly with existing SMS threads. This parity move reduces the customization gap between SMS and RCS.
7Market implications
The update strengthens Google Messages' position against third-party messaging apps by adding value to standard texts. It demonstrates Google's strategy to improve basic texting while promoting RCS adoption. The move may attract users who want customization without requiring contacts to switch messaging apps. This could help retain SMS users within Google's ecosystem.
8Future possibilities
The SMS theme expansion suggests Google may bring more RCS features to standard texts. Future updates could include read receipts or typing indicators for SMS. However, fundamental SMS limitations prevent full feature parity with RCS. This development highlights Google's efforts to modernize texting while navigating carrier dependencies and platform fragmentation.
Original article: Android Authority — Google Messages Expands Chat Themes to SMS Texts