Text messaging just got more seamless. Google and Samsung have partnered to drive the adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS), a modern messaging standard aimed at bridging gaps between platforms. With Apple’s latest iOS update supporting RCS, users can now enjoy enhanced features even when communicating across Android and iOS devices.
Samsung announced the development on its official blog, emphasizing its commitment to cross-platform compatibility.
Google and Samsung have worked together for years to establish RCS as a universal messaging standard. This modern protocol enhances messaging with features such as higher-quality media sharing, improved group chats, and expressive text reactions.
“We’ve been collaborating with Google to ensure users experience seamless communication,” said Patrick Chomet, Executive VP of Samsung Electronics. “This milestone brings us closer to universal compatibility.”
Google echoed this sentiment, highlighting Samsung’s role in driving RCS adoption. Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google, noted that the partnership modernizes messaging by meeting user expectations for usability and security.
Google Samsung enhances RCS adoption
RCS elevates text messaging to a new level. Unlike older SMS systems, RCS supports high-resolution image and video sharing, delivering media with greater clarity. Group chats are also more flexible, allowing users to add or remove participants regardless of their platform.
Text reactions, similar to those seen on social media, make conversations more interactive. These features were previously confined to Android devices but are now accessible on iPhones running iOS 18 or later.
However, end-to-end encryption remains available only for Android-to-Android communication. Both Google Messages and iOS users must enable RCS for the features to work seamlessly.
A step toward industry-wide standardization
The broader adoption of RCS signals progress toward a universal messaging standard. Samsung emphasized its belief in open industry standards as a foundation for innovation.
The transition to RCS reflects the industry’s shift toward interoperability, aiming to eliminate barriers between operating systems. As adoption increases, users worldwide are set to benefit from a richer, more secure messaging experience.
“RCS adoption is helping break down communication silos,” said Chomet. “It’s about creating an open, collaborative ecosystem for everyone.”
For users, this partnership means more reliable and engaging messaging. With iOS now supporting RCS, the future of texting looks brighter, more connected, and less restricted by device limitations.
Samsung’s blog highlights the importance of this progress: “This wider adoption takes us into a new era of compatibility.”