# Google Messages Finally Fixes Two Major Annoyances

Copying text and forwarding messages will become much easier.

- **Source:** [Android Police](https://brifing.si/source/a7444c3b-8025-40d3-b68b-72e44d7adc84)
- **Published:** 2026-08-07
- **Original article:** <https://www.androidpolice.com/google-messages-finally-fixing-most-annoying-quirks/>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ec465a7c-a493-4c4f-b12d-d3e230b63103

## Core issues with Google Messages

Google's primary messaging app, Google Messages, still lacks basic functionalities. Users cannot select specific parts of a message to copy, and the message forwarding process remains unnecessarily complicated. These shortcomings create a significant gap compared to the more user-friendly experience offered by competitors like WhatsApp and Telegram.

## Problems with the current long-press menu

In the current system, long-pressing a message shows quick reaction emojis. Basic functions like copy and delete appear in the top toolbar, while frequently used options like share and forward are hidden in the three-dot menu. This layout leads to unnecessary clicks and time loss in daily use.

## New long-press menu design

With the beta update, Google is consolidating all functions in one place. The top toolbar and three-dot menu are removed, with reply, forward, copy, star, delete, select more, info, and save options now directly visible. A background blur effect gives the menu a more polished look.

## Partial text selection feature

The update allows users to select and copy specific parts of messages. Currently, the entire message text must be copied. This basic feature's absence has been a major drawback, especially with long messages.

## Update scope and timeline

The new features are currently available only to select beta users. It's unclear when Google will push these changes to the stable version. The fact that partial copying has been in testing for months tests users' patience.

## Comparison with competitors

Popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have offered these basic functions more accessibly for years. These updates represent Google finally catching up to standard features. That these features remain in beta highlights Google's lag in the messaging ecosystem.

## Impact on user experience

While not revolutionary, the new menu design and partial copying will provide significant daily conveniences. They'll save time by reducing unnecessary clicks, especially for heavy messaging users. These small but critical improvements will enhance the app's overall usability.

## Importance for Android ecosystem

As Android's default messaging app serving billions, Google Messages' basic functionality gaps weaken Android's competitiveness against iOS. Google's rapid rollout of these updates is crucial for maintaining the Android ecosystem's integrity.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.androidpolice.com/google-messages-finally-fixing-most-annoying-quirks/ — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._