Archive — US — techcrunch

Google announces 1B+ RCS messages sent in the U.S. daily

May 14, 2025

Google announced over a billion RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages are now sent daily in the U.S., enhancing messaging with high-resolution media and improved group chat features. This follows Apple's adoption of RCS support in iOS 18, addressing previous limitations in communication between Android and iPhone users.

Key points

1. RCS messages: Over 1 billion sent daily in the U.S. as of the last 28 days.
2. Key features: RCS offers high-resolution images, typing indicators, read receipts, and enhanced group chat functionality.
3. Apple's adoption: RCS support added in iOS 18, allowing better communication with Android users.
4. Previous limitations: Before RCS, iPhone users experienced issues with low-quality media and restrictive group chat functionality.
5. Market implications: The blue bubble stigma among teens highlights the competitive dynamics between Android and iOS.

Why it matters

1. The rise of RCS reflects an ongoing trend towards improving mobile communication standards amid the growing dominance of messaging apps.
2. 2025 IT trends indicate continued emphasis on cross-platform compatibility in messaging to enhance user experience.
3. Apple's late support for RCS illustrates the competitive landscape in the tech industry, focusing on user loyalty and brand identity.

Google's update on RCS shows dramatic growth in messaging capabilities, highlighting improvements in communication between iOS and Android, which may reshape user experiences and branding perceptions in the mobile market.