Google Messages Adds Custom Chat Themes and Wallpapers
Android users can now set custom colours and wallpapers for individual conversations.
2026 has proven to be a significant year for Google Messages. The app, which serves as the primary messaging tool for most Android smartphones, has recently received several long-awaited updates. Among them, the visual personalisation of chats (Chat Themes) stands out as a feature users had been requesting for years.
Thanks to the new functionality, Google Messages users can now select individual colours and wallpapers for each conversation. Rolling out at the end of August, the feature allows people to customise chat bubble colours and background images to suit their personal taste.
Visual changes and personalisation
Most messaging platforms, such as Telegram, WhatsApp and Messenger, have offered chat themes and background customisation for years. The absence of this feature in Google Messages long caused frustration among users, as the default interface remained rather uniform.
With the latest update, users can select ready-made colourful themes or set custom visuals for individual chats. This not only enhances the overall visual experience of the app, but also helps users quickly distinguish between different conversations.
What to expect in the future
Adding chat themes is only part of Google's broader plans. The technology giant is actively working on an even larger update for the app. The Google Messages interface is expected to undergo a complete redesign in the near future, aligning even more closely with modern Material Design standards.
Alongside the ongoing development of the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol within the Android ecosystem, Google is striving to transform its standard messaging app into a fully-fledged modern messenger. These steps aim to compete directly with Apple's iMessage and other popular platforms that offer rich feature sets to their users.
For users in Georgia who rely on Android smartphones, this update is particularly practical. Google Messages is widely used in Georgia for both SMS and RCS messaging, and the new visual controls make everyday use considerably more enjoyable.