Google Messages rolls out new long-press menu and partial text copying

Google has officially launched a wide rollout of a redesigned long-press menu for Google Messages. Following testing that began in January, the update introduces a tap-activated floating menu designed to place frequently used actions at the forefront of the user interface.

A major highlight of this update is the ability to copy only a specific portion of a text message, a feature identified as one of the most highly requested by users. To use this, users long-press a message to open the initial menu, then long-press the text again to drag selection handles for precise highlighting. This triggers a second dialogue box offering options to copy, translate, or select all.

The new design replaces the previous top toolbar with a more streamlined approach, surfacing core actions like Reply, Forward, Copy, Star, and Delete, while moving less frequent options to an overflow menu. The interface also includes full support for light and dark themes, optimized navigation for landscape mode, and enhanced visual feedback such as background blurring and haptic animations during interactions.