Google has added a long-awaited feature to its messaging app, Google Messages. Messages sent by mistake can now be undone. This new feature is similar to the “Delete for everyone” feature found in popular apps like WhatsApp and iMessage.

Google Messages Brings WhatsApp Feature

The feature, previously tested in beta, is now available to the general public. When a message is sent in Google Messages, users will now see two options: “Delete for me” and “Delete for everyone.” However, the undo time is limited to 15 minutes. Messages that exceed this timeframe remain undeleted.

Similar features have been available in WhatsApp and iMessage for years. WhatsApp extends the message deletion timeframe to 2 days and 12 hours, while messages sent in iMessage can be edited and deleted within 15 minutes.

Google Messages uses the RCS infrastructure. Because this infrastructure operates over the internet, it supports advanced functions such as message deletion. However, security differences persist between platforms.

While WhatsApp protects all messages with end-to-end encryption, Google Messages’ RCS-based encryption is not yet enabled by default in all regions. This demonstrates that while the new delete feature is useful, the security gap between platforms remains.

This feature is part of Google’s efforts to make Messages more appealing to users. With the goal of becoming the default messaging app for Android users, Google Messages is constantly adding new features.

These steps increase Google’s competition with WhatsApp and iMessage in the messaging market. With this new feature, users can avoid misunderstandings or incorrect messages.