RCS: the upgrade to text messaging, and encryption

The problem with old text messages

SMS, the original text message system, dates from the 1990s. It only carries short text, and picture messages (MMS) arrive squashed and blurry. SMS messages are also not end-to-end encrypted: they pass through mobile networks in a way that the operator can read. That is why apps such as WhatsApp, Signal and iMessage became so popular.

What RCS adds

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. It is a standard managed by the GSMA, the mobile industry body, and it works inside your phone's built-in messages app. Over Wi-Fi or mobile data, it adds:

• High-quality photos and videos.
• Typing indicators and read receipts.
• Proper group chats, including naming the group.
• Reactions and replies to specific messages.

If RCS is not available, the phone falls back to normal SMS automatically.

iPhone and Android finally talk properly

For years, messages between iPhones and Android phones fell back to old SMS. Apple added RCS support with iOS 18 in 2024, so iPhone and Android users can now share good-quality photos and see typing indicators in the standard messages apps, provided their mobile operator supports it.

Where encryption fits in

Google's Messages app had already added its own end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between its users. In March 2025, the GSMA published the RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which includes end-to-end encryption based on a modern standard called Messaging Layer Security (MLS). The aim is encryption that works across different companies' apps, including between iPhone and Android. Rolling this out depends on phone makers, app updates and operators, so check your messages app: an encrypted conversation is usually marked with a padlock.

Our explainer What is encryption? explains end-to-end encryption in plain words.

What it means for you

• Make sure your phone and messages app are updated to get the latest features and security.
• Look for a padlock or "end-to-end encrypted" label before sharing anything sensitive.
• Remember that scam messages can arrive over RCS too, sometimes with a "verified business" look. Apply the same checks as for texts. See Spotting scam messages.
• Never share one-time sign-in codes by message, whatever the app.

Tip: In your messages settings you can usually turn RCS features (sometimes called "chat features") on or off, and control read receipts.

RCS, WhatsApp, iMessage: which should you use?

There is no single right answer. Dedicated apps such as Signal and WhatsApp offer end-to-end encryption between all their users, but everyone in the chat needs the same app. RCS works inside the messages app that is already on the phone, which makes it convenient for contacting anyone, including businesses and people who do not install extra apps. For sensitive conversations, use whichever option shows a clear end-to-end encryption label for that chat. For everyday messages, use whatever your friends and family actually use.

Businesses are also adopting RCS for richer messages with buttons and images, for example delivery updates. Verified business senders are marked, but scammers keep trying to imitate them, so stay cautious with links.