Google Messages now works better with Apple iMessage

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(Pocket-lint) – A new update rolled out to Google Messages lets Android users see diMessage reactions as real emojis, rather than confusing strings of text.

The code was discovered in a beta version of Google Messages and implied that the new feature would incorporate support for iMessage reactions. The update is being rolled out according to 9to5Google.

Previously the system handled diMessage reactions haphazardly which could cause a lot of inconvenience especially in large group chats.

Instead of displaying the emoji, a string of text would describe the reaction. For example, a heart emoji would appear as “(Name) liked (full message content)” in Google Messages.

The worst part is that it would appear as the last post, so instead of easily following the conversation in a large newsgroup, you would be constantly updated on people’s reactions to older posts.

With the new update, Android users will see the emoji attached to the appropriate message, as expected.

Google Messages translates iMessage emoji to Rich Communications Services (RCS) equivalents. The app will also display “translated from iPhone” when you tap the reaction emoji of a message.

There is no official message from Google as to when you can expect support to arrive on your Android phone, but it does seem to be rolling out slowly right now with some users already having access to the feature.

Written by Luke Baker. Originally published on 23 November 2021.