Google Messages Simplifies RCS Identification with New Update: See Who’s on RCS at a Glance!

Google is making it easier than ever to see which of your contacts are using RCS (Rich Communication Services) in Google Messages! A recent update rolling out to beta users finally addresses a long-standing annoyance: the lack of a quick and easy way to identify RCS users.

Previously, users had to initiate a chat to determine if a contact supported RCS by checking if the message field displayed "RCS message" or "Text message." This cumbersome process is now a thing of the past.

Now, Google Messages is showing an RCS badge next to contacts who support the feature directly in the "New chat" contact list. This badge is dynamically colored, further emphasizing RCS-enabled contacts.

The update, currently rolling out to beta users (version 20250527_01_RC00), streamlines the process of starting RCS conversations. According to reports, the "New conversation" title has also been updated to "New chat," aligning more closely with RCS terminology.

This improvement is significant because RCS offers a plethora of features not available in SMS, including:

• Typing indicators
• Read receipts
• Higher-quality image sharing
• Group chat support
• End-to-end encryption

Furthermore, RCS messages are sent over mobile data or Wi-Fi, reducing reliance on cellular networks and potentially saving on SMS charges.

The introduction of the RCS badge simplifies identifying contacts who can take full advantage of these features, regardless of whether they are using Android or iOS, now that Apple has adopted RCS support for iMessage.

This update represents a significant step forward in enhancing the messaging experience for Google Messages users, making it easier than ever to communicate with richer features and greater privacy.

What do you think about this update? Will it encourage you to use RCS more often? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Android
• Google Messages
• RCS