Key Points:
- Draft Indicator Removed: Google Messages no longer shows unsent drafts in the conversation list.
- Conversation Position Unchanged: Threads with drafts still move to the top of the list.
- Recent Updates: This change follows other recent feature removals and adjustments in Google Messages.
In a subtle yet significant update, Google Messages for Android has altered how it handles message drafts. Previously, any text typed into the compose field but not yet sent would be visible in the main conversation list. The relevant conversation thread would move to the top, marked by the prefix “You:” in italics, indicating a draft was in progress.
With the latest stable (version 20240521_00_RC01) and beta (20240531_00_RC00) releases, this preview feature has been removed. While threads containing drafts still ascend to the top of the list, there’s no longer any visual cue indicating the presence of a draft. Instead, the conversation appears as if the last message from a contact was recently received, complete with an updated time indicator.
This change might seem like a bug at first glance, but it aligns with other recent modifications in Google Messages. The app has seen the removal of features such as reminders and nudges (though nudges have made a comeback), as well as message organization into Personal and Business categories. The omission of the draft indicator is part of an ongoing trend of simplifying and streamlining the app’s functionality.
