Google Messages Launches Long-Press Menu With Partial Text Copy

The update replaces the previous top toolbar with a tap-activated interface that houses primary actions front and center. Testing for the interface began in January before the official launch was announced on October 1, 2026. The new design surfaces specific actions directly upon long-pressing a chat message or image.

Google Messages Updates Floating Menu and Quick Actions

When users long-press a message or image, the app displays a floating menu containing remix options for photos, reply, forward, copy for text, star, delete, select more, info, and save for photos. Each action features an icon at the front for quick visual scanning.

For the newest message in a thread, Google Messages centers the selection with a bouncy animation and haptic feedback while blurring the background layer. The row of emoji and Create Photomoji shortcuts remains unchanged from previous versions. The update includes full support for light and dark themes alongside landscape mode optimization for wider screens.

Partial Text Copying Implementation

Google noted that the ability to copy only a portion of a text message was one of the most requested features by users. To use the function, users long-press any message to bring up the primary action menu and then long-press again directly on the text within that message. Dragging selection handles allows users to highlight the exact portion of text they want to select. A second dialogue box then appears with options to copy, translate, or select all. Previously, the application only permitted copying the entire message block.

Stable Version Rolls Out via Server-Side Deployment

The long-lasting menu is rolling out widely with stable version 20260910_03_RC02. Because the update relies on a server-side component, users who do not see the feature live can force stop the application from the Android App info menu to trigger the interface change.