You don’t need perfect timing to send a text message, especially when you’re putting together a long, thoughtful text to get something off your chest. If you use an Android phone, your default messaging app is Google Messages. It does its fair share of good work with a clean interface and support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) and other interesting features.
But it tends to have a visible four-line limit when you’re typing, which cramps longer messages. You find yourself scrolling just to read your own words, and in some cases, accidentally sending text while trying to. Thankfully, Google is making changes behind the scenes to make it better.
No more battling with your text box
A new upgrade has been spotted in the beta version of Google Messages by Android Authority, and it’s one that finally makes long texts easier to write. Instead of the current four-line limit, the compose box may soon stretch up to 12 lines.
No more constrained scrolling to reread your own message. It’s a subtle change, but if you’ve ever tried pouring your heart out over text, you know how much of a difference that extra space can make.
The version code, messages.android_20250402_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic, is as lengthy as the detail it’s introducing and points to a recent test build released on April 2, 2025. The key thing it tells us is that it’s close to going live, based on the RC00 tag.
It stands for Release Candidate, and that label usually appears in the version name when Google is experimenting on a nearly-final version of a feature or app update. Testers have already found a way to use it and it looks promising.
On big screens, the 12-line text limit should’ve been there from the start, particularly with the extra screen real estate on the Pro and Ultra models of the Galaxy S24 and Pixel 9 series, among other phone models.
The update provides enough height to make composing longer texts feel much more realistic. You don’t really need to see your background images or old texts when typing. You just want space to focus on what you’re composing without extra stuff getting in the way.
Related: Text To 911 With RCS Is Coming To Google Messages
More to come on Google Messages
Besides the 12-word text limit, Beta users have been seeing different updates Google is bringing into its beloved texting app. Among them, Google has redesigned how you access and send media.
When you tap the gallery icon, you’ll see a live viewfinder merged with your gallery, displaying 3-6 recent shots, with more available when you swipe up. A new preview screen is available before sending where you can add captions to pictures or videos.
There’s also the option to send media at full resolution (HD+) instead of optimized versions and Read Receipts have undergone a redesign. Instead of being next to the message text, the receipt now appears as a circle in the bottom-right corner of the bubble where it’s clearer that your message has been read.
Tapping the receipt shows you detailed timestamps and the encryption status of the message. There’s no word on when these features will officially come out yet. But keep your eyes on the Google Play Store for any app updates. You might even be able to ask the store about the app soon.
