I've always found it a bit clunky how Google Messages handles sharing photos. Currently, when you want to send a picture, it only shows the ones saved on your phone. If you're like me and keep most of your photos in Google Photos, you have to jump through an extra hoop.

Thankfully, it seems Google is finally addressing this. An upcoming update to Google Messages will directly integrate your Google Photos library into the main media picker. No more tapping through extra folders!

You see, Google Messages uses its own custom media picker, which gives them more control over the design. For example, it allows the camera viewfinder and gallery to be side-by-side. Android's built-in Photo Picker, on the other hand, pops up as a separate screen.

However, there are downsides to Google's approach. The custom picker can only access local photos, and it requires broad access to your entire media gallery. This is where Android's Photo Picker shines. It lets apps access only the photos you choose, improving your privacy.

To tackle these issues, Android 16 introduces a new "embedded" photo picker. It gives developers the ability to integrate the system's photo picker right into their apps. That way, you get the best of both worlds: a seamless user experience and better security.

I've already seen this in action on my OnePlus 13 running OxygenOS 16. Now, when I tap the gallery button in Google Messages, my cloud photos show up right alongside my local ones. It's so seamless that you might not even notice the difference.

As a result of this change, Google Messages no longer needs permission to access all your photos and videos. If you've previously granted this permission, you can now revoke it.

While it appears the new embedded photo picker is exclusive to Android 16 devices, it doesn't actually require Android 16. It's supported on Android 14 and later, but it depends on a recent Google Play System Update. Google may be limiting the initial rollout while they wait for the update to reach more devices.