RCS
Google Messages adding support for dual SIM RCS [U]
Since launch, Google Messages has not allowed RCS on more than one phone number, but the app is now adding support for dual (multi) SIM.
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Google posts Android ad about RCS coming to iPhone [Video]
With the launch of iOS 18 this fall, the iPhone will support RCS for meaningfully improved messaging experience with Android users, and Google today released an ad to highlight that.
Expand Expanding CloseRCS update standardizes message replies, editing, reactions, more for Android & iPhone
The GSMA Association (GSMA) is responsible for maintaining Rich Communication Services (RCS) and the latest update to the standard adds “Extended Messaging” that should improve Android and iPhone interoperability.
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Google Messages removes no encryption icon from iPhone RCS chats
In a curious change, Google Messages no longer shows that end-to-end encryption (E2EE) isn’t available in iPhone RCS conversations.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages RCS conversations with iPhones have some quirks
Earlier this week, Apple rolled out iOS 18 Beta 2 with support for Rich Communication Services (in the US). The experience of using Google Messages to talk to someone with an iPhone over RCS is pretty straightforward, though it’s clearly the first take.
Expand Expanding CloseiPhone adding RCS support (and copying these Google Messages features in iOS 18)
As expected, Apple announced RCS support for the iPhone’s Messages app with iOS 18 at WWDC 2024. This was first teased last November.
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Google Messages moves RCS ‘provided by’ status in settings
A small change to Google Messages settings moves where you can find who’s providing your Rich Communication Services (RCS).
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle says Apple is bringing RCS to the iPhone in ‘fall of 2024’
The Android website has added a new landing page for Google Messages that talks about the first-party messaging experience, while also noting that RCS on the iPhone is coming in fall 2024.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages RCS is not working on rooted, custom ROM Android phones
In recent weeks, Android users with rooted or bootloader unlocked phones have found that RCS in Google Messages does not work.
Expand Expanding CloseApple might be supporting RCS on the iPhone to comply with Chinese regulation
Apple unexpectedly announced a few months ago that iOS would support the Rich Communications Services (RCS) Universal Profile in 2024. While this will improve the Android-iOS messaging experience, the driving force behind RCS on the iPhone might be new rules that regulators in China are implementing.
Expand Expanding CloseVerizon switching to Google’s Jibe for RCS on Android
Following AT&T and T-Mobile in 2023, Verizon is switching to Google’s Jibe platform for RCS on its Android phones.
Expand Expanding CloseBeeper Mini will add SMS & RCS, other services, and FaceTime in ‘near future’
The new Beeper Mini app brings native iMessage support to Android devices but without any support for SMS, RCS, WhatsApp, and the many other chat apps supported by the original Beeper app. Here’s the plan going forward.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages marks 1 billion RCS users with Photomoji, Custom Bubble colors, more
There are now over 1 billion monthly active users with RCS enabled in Messages, and Google is celebrating by adding a ton of whimsy to the app across emoji (with Photomoji), voice recording, and customization.
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RCS messages will use green bubbles, Apple confirms
Earlier today, Apple announced its plans to bring RCS support to the iPhone in 2024. Since I published my story on the news this morning, there’s one thing everyone wants to know: is the blue bubbles vs green bubbles debate coming to an end?
I’m happy to say I now have an official answer: nope. RCS will use green bubbles just like SMS.
Read MoreGoogle will work with Apple on implementing RCS on iPhone
Following the news that Apple is adding RCS support to the iPhone, Google is out with a statement this afternoon.
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Stop pretending Nothing’s iMessage app had anything to do with RCS on the iPhone
Apple finally did the thing, with the company announcing today that RCS is coming to the iPhone in 2024. The announcement comes just two days after Android smartphone maker Nothing announced an iMessage app for its phone.
Coincidence? Yes, and it would be foolish to pretend otherwise.
Expand Expanding CloseApple gets the message, RCS coming to iPhone in 2024 with same Universal Profile as Android
Apple announced (via 9to5Mac) today that it’s adding RCS support to the iPhone in a great boost to Android-iOS messaging.
Expand Expanding CloseUK carrier O2 says that Google will make RCS ‘even better than it is currently’
RCS has grown massively thanks to Google’s heavy push of the standard in recent years, and Google is also the one running RCS for a lot of carriers around the globe. Announced this week, UK carrier O2 is handing over the reins on RCS to Google ahead of some potential upgrades from Google.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle should go viral with a real iPager, and what actually gets RCS on the iPhone
Before Google started “Get The Message,” its campaign to pressure Apple on RCS for the iPhone played out in press interviews, tweets, and even on-stage at I/O:
Expand Expanding CloseT-Mobile switching to Google’s Jibe for RCS in Messages app
In addition to Get the Messages continuing with iPager, T-Mobile announced today that its RCS offering is now powered by Google’s Jibe platform.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle taunts RCS-less iPhone with ‘iPager’ as ‘Get The Message’ push continues [Video]
Google started “Get the Message” last year to pressure Apple into supporting RCS on the iPhone, and the campaign continues today with “iPager.”
Expand Expanding CloseBeeper adds support for Google Messages RCS alongside iMessage, works on Android and iPhone
RCS is available to every Android user at this point, but that hasn’t ended the messaging headaches that come from iMessage and the lack of RCS on iPhone. But now, the third-party app Beeper can support both Google Messages RCS and Apple iMessage on both Android and iPhone, all within the same app.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages turning on RCS by default, group E2E encryption launches
After testing group end-to-end encryption for the past few months, Google Messages has now fully rolled it out and is enabling RCS by default.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle Messages adds prominent badge for RCS chats [U]
Google is continuing its move to more explicitly label “RCS” in Messages with a very prominent badge noting which conversations are eligible.
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