In recent years, efforts to improve messaging across different devices have led to the widespread adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS).
RCS is an advanced messaging protocol that offers features like typing indicators, read receipts, file sharing, and high-resolution media. It’s an update to SMS. enhancing traditional text messaging by making conversations more interactive and multimedia-friendly and enabling users to share high-quality photos and videos, participate in group chats, and enjoy a richer messaging experience—all without the messages breaking or losing quality.
According to Google, more than one billion RCS messages are sent every day in the U.S. (based on the average of the last 28 days), and this number can be expected to grow as adoption continues
With RCS chats, you get features like typing indicators, read receipts, and the ability to send high-resolution media (photos, videos, files) without worrying about losing quality. RCS also supports better group chats, so users can add people without the conversation falling apart, a problem many users have faced with traditional messaging apps.
This milestone reflects how seamless and versatile digital communication is becoming, making conversations more natural and engaging across different devices.
Availability of RCS does vary depending on your region and mobile wireless carrier. It can be enabled within your messaging app’s (or phone’s) settings and is typically used over Wi-Fi or mobile data, so it doesn’t usually cost extra, though carrier charges may apply during setup.
How to Use RCS
On Android
Most Android devices can activate RCS through their messaging apps, such as Google Messages, by enabling the feature within the app settings.
Learn more on Google’s support page for RCS chats in Google Messages here.
On iPhone
iPhone users may need to update their device’s software and check with their carrier for activation instructions. To turn on:
- Go to the “Settings” app
- Press Messages >> RCS Messages >> Enable (if turned off)
Read more about RCS on Apple’s support page.
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