RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a modern messaging protocol designed to replace traditional SMS text messaging with enhanced features that work over the internet or mobile data. It enables users to send high-resolution photos and videos, see typing indicators, read receipts, and participate in enhanced group chats with features like adding or removing participants and renaming chats. RCS also supports interactive elements such as action buttons for booking appointments or making payments, and it allows synchronization of messages across multiple devices
. Unlike SMS, which is limited to 160 characters and does not support multimedia, RCS messages have virtually unlimited length and can include rich media content like videos, GIFs, and audio. RCS operates over IP networks (Wi- Fi or mobile data), whereas SMS uses cellular networks. This makes RCS more versatile and feature-rich, offering a messaging experience closer to apps like iMessage or WhatsApp but integrated into the native messaging app on phones
. RCS is an open industry standard developed by the GSM Association (GSMA) and has been widely adopted by carriers and device manufacturers globally. It aims to unify messaging across platforms, including Android and, more recently, Apple iOS (starting with iOS 18), allowing cross-platform communication with advanced features previously unavailable between Android and iPhone users
. In summary, RCS is the next-generation text messaging protocol that upgrades SMS by providing rich media sharing, real-time communication features, and interactive capabilities, all while working seamlessly across different devices and platforms
