Google is introducing a new option in Google Messages that changes how Smart Replies behave, giving users more control over suggested responses. The feature, called “Tap to Draft,” is now rolling out in beta and allows Smart Replies to be placed into the text field as a draft instead of being sent immediately.
Previously, Smart Replies worked with a “Tap to Send” model, where tapping a suggestion would instantly deliver the message. With the new Tap to Draft option, users can review, edit, or personalize the reply before hitting send. This small but significant change is aimed at reducing accidental sends and making Smart Replies feel more natural in everyday conversations.
The feature is currently appearing in beta version 20260303_00_RC00 of Google Messages.
Users can toggle between “Tap to Send” and “Tap to Draft” under Settings → Suggestions. While not yet available in the stable release, wider rollout is expected in the coming weeks.
By adding this option, Google is responding to user feedback about Smart Replies being too quick and sometimes impersonal. The update reflects Google’s broader push to balance AI-driven convenience with user control, ensuring that automation enhances communication without compromising accuracy or tone.
Airtel partners Google to offer an AI-powered safer RCS messaging experience
Airtel and Google have announced a partnership to deliver a secure, engaging messaging experience to users in India. By combining Airtel’s network intelligence with Google’s Rich Communications Services (RCS) platform and spam filtering, users will be able to experience RCS messaging with high-quality photo/video content and interactive elements like message reactions, while also benefiting from enhanced protections that will reduce mobile spam and digital fraud.
Google’s Airtel-backed RCS platform will conduct real-time checks to enhance message security. It will verify the sender’s identity using telecom-based business verification systems. It will also follow users’ Do Not Disturb (DND) preferences by classifying messages as promotional or transactional and applying limits where required.
The system is designed to stop spam business messages from reaching users and to block harmful links through multiple layers of threat detection. It will also limit messages from senders flagged by Google and Airtel’s AI-based spam detection tools.
