In a significant update to its messaging platform, Google has begun rolling out a ‘Delete for Everyone’ feature in the beta version of Google Messages, the officials revealed. This addition allows users to retract sent messages, aligning the app with competitors like WhatsApp and iMessage that have long offered similar functionalities.
The feature was first spotted by a Reddit user in a group chat comprising 12 participants. Upon attempting to delete a message, the user was presented with two options: ‘Delete for me’ and ‘Delete for everyone’. Selecting the latter removes the message from all participants’ devices, although a placeholder stating “This message was deleted” remains visible in the chat
Currently, the ‘Delete for Everyone’ option appears limited to larger group chats and is not yet available in one-on-one conversations or smaller groups. This selective rollout suggests that Google is conducting phased testing before a broader release .
The new feature is part of the broader implementation of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) Universal Profile 2.7, finalized by the GSM Association in June 2024. This profile introduces several enhancements, including message editing, recall, and deletion capabilities.
Users have a 15-minute window to delete messages for everyone after sending. However, it’s important to note that recipients using older versions of the app may still see the deleted messages, as the feature relies on both sender and recipient having the updated version.
Google has not provided an official timeline for the full rollout of the ‘Delete for Everyone’ feature. Given that the message editing feature introduced in May 2024 took several months to reach all users, it’s anticipated that this new functionality will follow a similar gradual deployment.
This update marks a significant step in enhancing user control over messaging content in Google Messages, bringing it closer in line with other leading messaging platforms.
