Google Messages Prepares 'Tap to Edit' Feature: Smart Replies Are No Longer Automatically Sent

JAKARTA - Google is reportedly preparing an important update to improve the user experience on their messaging app, Google Messages. Through an in-depth analysis of the latest application code (APK Insight), it was found that Google is testing a feature titled "Tap to Edit" for the Smart Reply system. This feature is predicted to be a significant improvement in digital quality of life for Android users.

Currently, the way Smart Reply works in Google Messages is instantaneous; when users tap on one of the suggested replies that appears above the text field, the message is immediately sent to the recipient. Although efficient, this system often triggers the sending of unintended messages or feels too rigid because it cannot be changed first.

Based on findings in the Beta 20260113_01_RC00 version, Google is designing a new preference that changes the default behavior. In the code, the current behavior is described as "Tap to Send", where users tap on a smart reply to send a message instantly.

Instead, a new option being developed will allow users to "Tap Smart Reply to update a message draft." With this mechanism, when a user selects a reply suggestion, the text will not be sent immediately, but will enter the message composition column as a draft.

This change brings two main benefits. First, users have the opportunity to personalize or add additional information to the suggestions given by artificial intelligence before actually pressing it. Second, this feature serves as a safety net to prevent the inadvertent delivery of messages due to a wrong tap.

Although this feature code has been embedded in the latest beta version, the "Tap to Edit" function is not yet publicly active. Currently, the Settings > Suggestions menu in the Google Messages app only provides an option to turn on or off "Smart Reply" as a whole without the option of delivery method.

It's worth noting that since this information comes from APK file decompiling, there's still a chance Google will change the mechanism or even cancel the launch of this feature entirely. However, given the progress of the existing code, this feature seems to be nearing completion to be enjoyed by users in the near future.