Google’s AI image editor, Nano Banana, might soon swing into Google Messages, marking another step in Google’s quiet expansion of its Gemini AI ecosystem. The company has been gradually embedding Gemini features across its products — Nano Banana recently landed in Google Search, and now it looks like Messages is next in line.
According to a recent APK teardown by Android Authority, a new banana icon was discovered within the Messages app, suggesting the feature’s pending arrival. Although they were able to get the icon to appear, the Nano Banana editor itself could not yet be activated. Interestingly, the symbol only shows up when long-pressing images in both personal and group chats, hinting that the capability might be limited to photos already taken or shared by users.
This move represents a notable milestone for Google. While Gemini has been integrated into Messages, its presence has largely revolved around text assistance and smart replies. The introduction of Nano Banana would push Gemini into more visual territory, aligning perfectly with how users engage in image-heavy conversations daily.
Why it makes sense
Nano Banana’s popularity has skyrocketed since launch, with many hailing it as a “Photoshop replacement” thanks to its intuitive design and surprisingly advanced editing power. Bringing such a feature directly into Messages is a logical evolution — after all, the app remains one of the main spaces where people exchange pictures with friends and family.
Though its exact functionality within Messages remains a mystery, its inclusion in the app’s codebase suggests Google is actively exploring how AI can enhance everyday photo sharing. Depending on your stance on AI, this could either be an exciting innovation or another step toward deeper automation in our communication habits. Still, there’s no denying how far Gemini’s capabilities have come: some enthusiasts even claim to have built cross-platform clones of Nano Banana using Gemini 3.0 for iOS, macOS, and Windows.
With Google doubling down on Gemini’s reach, the line between casual messaging and professional-grade image editing might soon blur — and Nano Banana could be the bridge.
