According to Digital Trends, Google Messages has finally started testing @mentions for RCS group chats after the feature was first spotted in teardowns earlier this year. The functionality is currently rolling out to some users with the latest beta release version 20251103_00_RC00. Users can mention group members by typing “@” followed by their contact name, which opens a pop-up with a list of all participants. The key difference is that mentioned users receive notifications even if they’ve muted the group chat entirely. This ensures critical messages don’t get buried in active conversations. The feature isn’t widely available yet but could roll out to all users in future updates.
Playing catch-up in the messaging wars
Here’s the thing: Google Messages is basically playing catch-up here. WhatsApp has had @mentions for years, and pretty much every major messaging platform from Slack to Discord to even old-school IRC has some form of user mentions. It’s kind of embarrassing that Google’s flagship messaging app is just getting this now. But better late than never, right?
This move makes RCS group chats actually useful for anything beyond casual conversation. When you need to make sure someone sees your message in a busy family chat or work group, @mentions are essential. No more sending separate DMs saying “hey did you see what I posted in the group?” It’s a quality of life improvement that should have been there from day one.
The double-edged sword of notifications
Now, there’s a potential downside here. The fact that mentions break through mute settings is both the feature’s biggest strength and its biggest weakness. On one hand, it guarantees important messages get through. On the other, imagine being in one of those chaotic group chats where people @mention everyone for every little thing. You’d be getting pinged constantly.
I wonder if Google will eventually add granular controls here. Maybe the ability to mute specific people’s mentions, or set “do not disturb” hours where even mentions won’t notify you. Because let’s be honest – some people are going to abuse this feature immediately.
The timing is interesting too. With RCS becoming more mainstream thanks to Apple’s recent adoption, Google needs to make its messaging experience competitive. Features like this make RCS group chats feel more modern and capable. But they’re still playing from behind compared to established platforms.
What comes after mentions?
Looking at user reactions on Reddit and the detailed coverage from 9to5Google, it’s clear people have been waiting for this. The question is what other basic features are still missing?
Reactions to specific messages, better media sharing, maybe even channels or communities – there’s still a lot Google could do to make Messages more competitive. But @mentions are a solid step in the right direction. They’re one of those features you don’t realize you need until you have them, and then you wonder how you ever managed group chats without them.
For now, if you’re in the beta program, keep an eye out for this feature. And if you’re not, well, hopefully the wider rollout happens soon. Because group chats are about to get a whole lot more functional – and potentially more annoying, depending on your friends.
