What is RCS, the technology that replaces SMS and MMS?

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RCS (Rich Communication Services) technology aims to replace SMS and MMS with a more modern architecture, which allows the sending of richer messages. RCS has been available on Android since 2019 and on iPhone since 2024. RCS is largely inspired by WhatsApp, Messenger and iMessage.

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has put a nail in the coffin of SMS. This technology for sending and receiving text messages, the first use of which dates back to 1989, is preparing to disappear after an abnormally long journey for a mobile technology.

Its replacement is called RCS, for Rich Communication Services. In development since 2007, but really launched in 2019 thanks to Google’s activism, RCS brings text messages into a digital era, with several features previously exclusive to messaging applications (iMessage, WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Signal, etc.).

Why want to replace SMS and MMS?

SMS and MMS are obsolete technologies. Insecure, limited to 160 characters and incompatible with several modern requirements (attachments, writing indicators, acknowledgments of receipt or group conversations), SMS does not meet any 2024 criteria. However, it is still used by billions of people, although its influence waned in the 2010s.

In Europe, where most smartphone users use messaging applications like WhatsApp or Messenger, the disappearance of SMS will not completely change habits. Its replacement should nevertheless make conversations more pleasant between two telephone numbers, regardless of the operating system used (iOS and Android).

What are the advantages of RCS compared to SMS and MMS?

Compared to SMS/MMS, RCS introduces several new features:

  • It no longer has a character limit. The phone no longer needs to send several messages when you exceed 160 characters.
  • It is compatible with high definition attachments (photos, videos, voice messages, documents up to 100 MB).
  • It automatically sends a delivery receipt (when the message has arrived on the other phone), then a read receipt (when the recipient has read it).
  • It indicates when the correspondent is writing.
  • It supports reactions, to like or add a “Haha” to a message.
  • It supports cross-platform group chats, without having to install a particular application.
  • It can work over Wi-Fi, without a cellular network, or from abroad. All you need is a SIM card (for the phone number) and an Internet connection. Operators can no longer charge for each shipment.
  • There is no difference between iOS and Android, the technology is the same everywhere.

In a way, RCS puts text messages between two phone numbers on an equal footing with iMessage (Apple’s proprietary technology). It marks a move into the 21st century for SMS.

RCS on iPhone, with 100 MB photos, keystroke indicators and receipts.
RCS on iPhone, with 100 MB photos, keystroke indicators and receipts. // Source: Numerama

Does RCS work with all operators?

When the RCS standard was launched, the GSMA consortium imagined that the technology would be deployed by operators, who would have to set up their own servers to distribute messages to the right people. The problem is that the operators have not played the game, often because of the excessive technical complexity of the RCS, without forgetting their desire to continue to sell SMS and MMS.

To go faster, Google decided to take over. When an operator does not support RCS, the web giant takes over with its own servers. On the other hand, if an operator has set up its own servers (this is the case with SFR in France), then it is he who takes care of transmitting the messages.

At the house of Appleit is the operators who must direct everything. The brand, which offers iMessage, has not set up its own RCS servers. If an operator is not up to date, then its client cannot send or receive RCS messages.

To go further

The Messages logo. // Source: NumeramaThe Messages logo. // Source: Numerama

Which French operators support RCS?

On Android, all operators are compatible with RCS.

On iPhone, alone SFR supports RCS in October 2024. Orange, Free Mobile And Bouygues Mobile all three indicate working on the subject. MVNOs, like Prixtel or CIC Mobile, may not deploy it quickly.

How to activate RCS on my smartphone

How to enable RCS on Android

On Android, RCS works regardless of the operator. Just open the app Google Messagesof touch your profile picturethe option Messages app settings Then RCS cats. This is normally enabled by default, but you can at least make sure.

Activation of RCS is automatic in Google Messages.Activation of RCS is automatic in Google Messages.
Activation of RCS is automatic in Google Messages. // Source: Numerama

How to enable RCS on iOS (iPhone)

On iOS, you must first update your iPhone to iOS 18. Then, go to Settingsgo down and choose Appsselect Messages Then RCS service. The option only appears if your carrier is compatible.

Enabling RCS in iOS 18.Enabling RCS in iOS 18.
Activation of RCS in iOS 18. // Source: Numerama

Please note, RCS is not encrypted by default

Much more modern than SMS or MMS, RCS is logically a little more secure. In particular, it allows you to sign a message to limit the risk of fraud, while giving operators the possibility of banning a number from a server.

However, everything is not perfect, since RCS does not integrate end-to-end encryption into its standard, unlike iMessage or WhatsApp. This means that a hacker can still decrypt a private message.

Between two Android smartphones, Google offers its own version of RCS message encryption. On the other hand, Apple did not wish to encrypt its RCS. The brand is awaiting an evolution of the standard, which could take a few years.

Will SMS disappear completely?

Let’s take the example of an iPhone. When you enter a phone number in the Messages app in iOS 18, the device asks two questions:

  • Is the recipient an iPhone?
  • Is the recipient RCS compatible?

Between two iPhones, Apple will favor iMessage. Between an iPhone and an RCS device, Apple will favor RCS. Otherwise, it’s always the SMS that will come back. The messages billed for participating in competitions remain SMS messages. The technology will not disappear, but, as updates continue, will become the norm.

Within 2-3 years, it is likely that almost all text conversations between two individuals, excluding WhatsApp or Messenger, will pass through RCS technology.

iMessage European Union DMA // Source: NumeramaiMessage European Union DMA // Source: Numerama
Apple continues to reserve several functions for iMessage, such as stickers or effects. // Source: Numerama

Will operators lose money?

RCS cannot be billed individually, unlike SMS and MMS. This is no longer really a problem in 2024, where most plans include unlimited SMS (we are far from the days of 50 SMS included per month). On the other hand, abroad, operators risk losing money. On Wi-Fi, RCS do not offer extra packages.

Blue bubble or green bubble, does the RCS change anything?

On iPhone, iMessage remains the only technology with blue bubbles. Apple has decided to keep the green color of SMS/MMS with RCS, even if the brand now displays the inscription “Text message • RCS”.

The bubbles remain green at Apple, but the window indicates that it is an RCS.The bubbles remain green at Apple, but the window indicates that it is an RCS.
The bubbles remain green at Apple, but the window indicates that it is an RCS. // Source: Numerama

Even without completely replacing WhatsApp, Messenger or Telegram, RCS marks a notable evolution in text conversations between two individuals. Within a few years, SMS should almost be eradicated, even if the technology will continue to exist for more obsolete uses.


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