Google Messages' Magic Compose starts appearing for some Pixel users in stable channel

05:23 pm (IST): A few hours after publishing this article, Magic Compose appeared on our Pixel 8 Pro unit running the latest stable version of the app (20240206_01_RC03) and stable Android 14 with February 2024 security patch. None of our other Pixel devices has received it, but this latest development adds weight to earlier reports that the wider rollout may actually be happening, so watch out!

Original article continues below:

Google’s AI-powered Magic Compose feature, which helps users rapidly draft text messages, appears to be expanding its availability. Initially limited to beta testers in select countries, a recent report suggests the feature may be coming to a broader audience in the near future.

A Google Pixel 7 Pro user on X has reported receiving an automatic notification that Magic Compose is now active on their non-beta version of the Messages app. While this single report is not definitive, it does hint at a potential wider rollout of the feature to the stable version of Google Messages. None of our Android devices has picked up Magic Compose, be it Pixel or non-Pixel, whether running the latest beta or stable version of the Google Messages app. Furthermore, I couldn’t find any other fresh reports of the feature rolling out to Messages users in the stable channel.

Magic Compose utilizes Google’s AI capabilities to analyze recent conversations and suggest context-appropriate phrases and sentences. But as it stands, only Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 users are the lucky ones. They can enjoy on-device Magic Compose, which means their phones handle the process locally, hence faster and safer. As for the rest of the Android community, Magic Compose relies on Google’s cloud servers to execute within the Google Messages app, which means you need an internet connection. Also, privacy freaks will not be happy that the message gets uploaded to a computer somewhere else for analysis before generating proper suggestions.

I have the latest beta version 20240213_01_RC01 installed but still no Magic Compose in Messages perhaps due to location and other reasons. However, the feature seems to be readily available in the stable version 20240130_01_RC02 of the Messages app, at least in the U.S. It’s also possible that Google is pushing the update from the server-side, so no action is required on your end to trigger the notification.

Google has yet to officially announce a broader rollout of Magic Compose in Messages app. But when confirmed, this move will bring this innovative text prediction and suggestion feature to a larger segment of Android users, enhancing their messaging experience. Those eager to try this AI-powered feature should ensure they have the latest version of Google Messages installed. When it arrives, follow this guide to turn on Magic Compose in Messages on your Google Pixel phone.

Thanks for the contribution X user BIG SPOON @LitanJimmy!