You can use RCS in any way you like, as long as it's through Google Messages.

With iOS 26.5, RCS is no longer insecure on the iPhone.

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messaging between iPhone and Android users is coming soon via the new Universal Profile 3.0 specifications from GSMA. The new standard supports the Messaging Layer ...

Save time and communicate more effectively with these easy-to-miss advanced options for Google Messages on Android.

RCS is the modern upgrade to SMS and MMS, bringing better photos, read receipts, typing indicators, group chats, and growing iPhone-Android support in 2026.

Phone held in hand as someone types with software keyboard - Ivan-balvan/Getty Images It's safe to say Android isn't known for its smoothness. It took several attempts to tame its problem with dropped ...