News > Software & Apps Google Messages Now Converts iMessage Reactions to Emoji The once-theorized update has already started rolling out By Rob Rich Rob Rich Twitter News Reporter College for Creative Studies Rob is a freelance tech reporter with experience writing for a variety of outlets, including IGN, Unwinnable, 148Apps, Gamezebo, Pocket Gamer, Fanbolt, Zam, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on November 22, 2021 02:51PM EST Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Fact checked by Jerri Ledford Western Kentucky University Gulf Coast Community College Jerri L. Ledford has been writing, editing, and fact-checking tech stories since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Software & Apps Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming The potential for the Google Message app to convert iMessage reactions into emoji has become a reality as the new update begins rolling out. News of a possible change in the Google Message app that would convert iMessage 'Tapbacks' into emoji came out only a few days ago, but a rollout has already begun. Originally noticed by 9to5Google in an APK Teardown post, the update rollout has since been confirmed by reader Jvolkman. nemke / Getty Images Many users have begun to notice that the app automatically translates iMessage reactions into the appropriate reactions in Google Messages. So now, instead of seeing reactions as text messages under your own texts, the reaction emoji will be attached to the message being reacted to. The app can also indicate when a reaction is converted, displaying a "Translated from iPhone" pop-up if you tap on the reaction's icon. But since the iconography is a little different between Apple and Android devices, some of the reactions might look out of place. Ariel Skelley / Getty Images There doesn't seem to be a set pattern in how the update is rolling out, however. Some beta testers say they don't have the option yet, while other non-beta users report that they do. Presumably, it will be available for everyone soon. This new Google Message update has already begun rolling out. If you're still seeing iMessage reactions in text form, the only thing you can do for now is wait for the update to reach your device. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up! Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit