The Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol is seen as the next evolution of SMS messages, allowing for richer messages, including the ability to send audio messages, high-resolution images, group chats, read receipts, typing indicators and more.
The push for RCS has been coming from operating system providers Google and Microsoft, with support from major OEMs including Samsung, Huawei, LG, Asus and more, to go with 55 operators worldwide, including Rogers, Bell and Telus, which are listed as supporting Universal Profile, a new industry standard for RCS Business Messaging.
RCS uses a data network to bring a new messaging experience to essentially emulate features in WhatsApp, Messenger and iMessage, including typing indicators, read receipts, group chats and more.
Currently, iMessage conversions within the Messages app are sent in blue, while SMS messages are sent in the ‘dreaded’ colour of green. If RCS is supported by Apple, it’ll be interesting to see how it is implemented into the Messages app (which could use some new features such as quoted replies).