Recently deleted imessages on iMac

Re: "Recently deleted imessages on iMac"

Seems "Recently Deleted" for Messages was only introduced a short while ago.

Eg: For MacOS Ventura:

Apple Support's online article:

Delete messages and conversations in Messages on Mac - Apple Support

says:

"Recover a recently deleted message or conversation

When you delete a message or conversation, it’s moved to the Recently Deleted folder.

You can view and recover items in the Recently Deleted folder for up to 30 days.

After 30 days, the messages are removed from all your devices.

After 40 days, the messages are permanently deleted from iCloud.

1. 1. 1. In the Messages app  on your Mac, choose View > Recently Deleted.
      2. Select the conversation in the sidebar.
      3. Do one of the following:

• • • Recover a recently deleted message or conversation: Click Recover.
    • Permanently delete a recently deleted message or conversation: Click Delete".

Hello AWFutr01,

If the Mac was using macOS Ventura when the messages were deleted then this page can help provide info on locating the Recently Deleted area: Delete messages and conversations in Messages on Mac - Apple Support

Recover a recently deleted message or conversation

When you delete a message or conversation, it’s moved to the Recently Deleted folder. You can view and recover items in the Recently Deleted folder for up to 30 days. After 30 days, the messages are removed from all your devices. After 40 days, the messages are permanently deleted from iCloud.

1. In the Messages app  on your Mac, choose View > Recently Deleted.

2. Select the conversation in the sidebar.

3. Do one of the following:

• Recover a recently deleted message or conversation: Click Recover.

• Permanently delete a recently deleted message or conversation: Click Delete.

Cheers.