The next big update for RCS (Rich Communication Services), the modern texting standard that replaced SMS, is on its way. This update will introduce video calling, text formatting, and a host of other features that bring regular texting closer to what dedicated apps like WhatsApp or iMessage offer.
This update arrives at a crucial time. With Apple adding RCS support to iPhones in late 2024, the standard now works across both Android and iPhone for the first time. This makes enhancements relevant to nearly every smartphone user worldwide.
What’s Actually Changing
The latest RCS specification, reported by 9to5Google, includes several features that users of messaging apps will find familiar.
Native Video Calling
For the first time, RCS will support video calls directly within the messaging standard. Currently, if you want to make a video call from your default messaging app, you usually get redirected to a separate app like FaceTime or Google Duo. With this update, video calls will work seamlessly inside your default Messages app, just like they do on WhatsApp.
Text Formatting
RCS will soon offer basic text formatting options like bold and italic. This is something iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram have provided for years. If you’ve ever wanted to highlight a word in a text without resorting to TYPING IN ALL CAPS, this update is for you.
Other Additions
The update will also enhance how messages are delivered and displayed, plus improve support for group chats. These quality-of-life upgrades add up quickly when you’re messaging every day.
| RCS By The Numbers | |
|---|---|
| RCS users worldwide (2024 estimate) | 900 million+ |
| Year Apple added RCS to iPhone | 2024 |
| Current RCS version | RCS Universal Profile 2.x |
| WhatsApp monthly active users | 3 billion+ |
Why RCS Matters Now More Than Ever
RCS is like the upgrade to the basic text message that carriers and phone makers have been gradually rolling out. While standard SMS feels like a postcard, RCS is more like a full letter that includes photos, read receipts, and typing indicators. It works over Wi-Fi and mobile data, not just the traditional cell network.
For a long time, RCS only functioned when both users had Android devices. Apple’s choice to support RCS on the iPhone changed everything. Now, an Android user can text an iPhone user and enjoy read receipts and higher-quality photo sharing without needing a third-party app.
Introducing video calling means your phone’s default messaging app could handle nearly everything you’d otherwise rely on WhatsApp or iMessage for, at least for one-on-one chats.
What This Means
The biggest immediate advantage for everyday users is simplicity. Instead of juggling multiple apps based on who you’re texting, your phone’s built-in Messages app becomes much more capable on its own. You won’t need to ask someone to “hop on FaceTime” or “switch to WhatsApp” just to make a quick video call.
This can make Google Messages a stronger contender against iMessage, especially in group settings where iPhone users have historically resisted using anything else. The formatting features, while small, will make professional and expressive communication easier without downloading anything new.
However, there’s an important caveat: RCS features only work if both users are on a carrier and device that supports the updated standard. Rollout depends on carriers enabling the new specifications, which often takes time to reach everyone.
Community Reaction
“Video calling built into RCS is huge. I’m constantly having to explain to my parents why they need a separate app just to video call me on Android. This fixes that.”
“Text formatting finally. I’ve been bold-faking it with asterisks like it’s 2009.”
What To Watch
- GSMA timeline: The GSMA (the industry group managing the RCS standard) hasn’t set a firm release date for the updated specification. Keep an eye out for an official announcement soon.
- Carrier adoption: After the spec is finalized, individual carriers will need to enable the new features. Major US carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T will be key players to watch for rollout news.
- Apple’s response: It’s unclear how quickly Apple will update its Messages app to support the new RCS features on iPhone, as Apple controls its own update schedule independently from carriers.
- Google Messages beta: Google has a history of previewing upcoming RCS features in Google Messages beta builds before official rollout, so we might see early signs there first.
Sources: 9to5Google: RCS update will add native video call support, text formatting, more
