Google Messages is preparing to roll out a highly requested feature: the ability to set custom icons for RCS group chats.
Currently, group chat icons default to a grid of users’ initials or profile pictures, a setup that many users have found uninspiring.
This feature has been available in RCS for years but was never made available in the Messages app, leaving many users frustrated.
A recent teardown of the Google Messages beta version revealed that custom group chat icons are on the way. Users will soon be able to upload their own images to represent group chats, bringing Messages in line with apps like WhatsApp, which already offer this customization option.
The new feature will improve group chat identification and personalization. Since RCS operates over the internet, the chosen image will appear for all group members, ensuring consistency across devices.
However, it’s unclear whether all participants will be able to change the icon or if admin rights will be required.
While the feature seems promising, it remains to be seen if the custom icons will display for iOS users, who might still see the default icons. The update is currently in beta, and it’s expected to be rolled out to all users in the near future.
Overall, this update should significantly enhance the group chat experience in Google Messages, giving users more control over how their chats are presented.
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