Traditional SMS and MMS have served us well for decades. With a having 98% open rate, SMS remains a powerhouse, and adding MMS can boost campaign opt-ins by 20%. However, today’s consumers expect more than just plain text; they want the rich, interactive experiences found in apps like WhatsApp or iMessage.
The solution? Rich Communication Services, better known as RCS messaging.
In this post, we’ll unpack what is RCS messaging, how it differs from traditional texts, and why it is quickly becoming a must-have for businesses looking to build trust and improve engagement in 2026.
What is an RCS message?
RCS messaging (Rich Communication Services) is an advanced communication protocol designed to replace the traditional SMS and MMS texting. Think of it as “SMS on steroids.” It brings the high-end features of “Over-the-Top” (OTT) apps- like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-res media directly into the native messaging app of your smartphone.
Whether you are sending a text message RCS to a friend or a business is reaching out via RCS chat, the experience is seamless. You don’t need to download a new app; it works right where you already text.
An rcs text message is sent over mobile data or Wi-Fi rather than traditional carrier signaling alone, enabling enhanced features unavailable in SMS.
Key Features of RCS Text Messaging
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Branding & Verification: Businesses can include logos, brand colors, and a “Verified” badge in messages. This builds trust and helps recipients identify authentic communication sources.
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Rich Media Sharing: Unlike MMS, which often compresses photos into blurry messes, an RCS text message supports high-resolution photos and videos up to 100MB.
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Interactivity: Features like scrollable carousels, quick-reply buttons, and “Suggested Actions” (like Open Maps or Add to Calendar) make messaging actionable.
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Better Group Chats: RCS Chat enables naming groups, adding/removing members, and seeing who has read your message.
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No Character Limits: Say goodbye to the 160-character limit. RCS supports massive blocks of text in a single bubble.
RCS vs. SMS vs. MMS: What’s the Difference?
Understanding the rcs vs SMS divide is essential for anyone looking to modernize their communication.
| Feature | SMS | MMS | RCS |
| Character Limit | 160 characters | 1,600 characters | Virtually unlimited |
| Media Quality | None | Low (compressed) | High-definition |
| Read Receipts | No | No | Yes |
| Typing Indicators | No | No | Yes |
| Interactive Buttons | No | No | Yes |
| Connectivity | Cellular Signal | Cellular Signal | Data / Wi-Fi |
What does RCS message mean for reliability? If a recipient doesn’t have a data connection or an RCS-enabled phone, the system is designed to “fallback” to standard SMS, ensuring your message is always delivered.
RCS Messaging on iPhone and Android
For years, RCS was an Android-exclusive “green bubble” experience. That changed significantly with the release of iOS 18 and subsequent updates in 2025 and 2026.
Text Message RCS iPhone
Apple now supports the RCS Universal Profile, meaning iPhone users can finally enjoy high-quality media, typing indicators, and better group chats when texting their Android friends. On your screen, you might see “RCS Message” in the text entry field, signaling that you are no longer limited to basic SMS.
How to switch from SMS to RCS on iPhone?
If you are on a supported carrier and running the latest iOS:
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Open Settings.
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Navigate to Apps → Messages.
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Scroll down to RCS Messaging and toggle it On.
How to Turn Off RCS Messaging?
While most users love the upgrade, you might want to disable it if you have a limited data plan or prefer the simplicity of SMS.
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On Android: Open Google Messages → Tap your Profile Icon → Messages Settings → RCS Chats → Toggle off Turn on RCS chats.
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On iPhone: Go to Settings → Apps → Messages → Toggle off RCS Messaging.
Why RCS is a Game Changer for Business?
As of 2026, RCS messaging has become a primary channel for customer engagement. By using an RCS message, businesses can:
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Reduce Friction: Customers can track a package or confirm an appointment with one tap no need to click a link and log into a website.
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Drive Conversions: Rich carousels allow users to browse products directly in the chat.
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Ensure Security: Verified profiles make it clear the message is from a legitimate source, not a scammer.
- Higher Engagement: Interactive visuals encourage deeper participation compared to static texts.
- Actionable Analytics: Delivery and read insights help optimize messaging strategies.
Conclusion
RCS is no longer the “future” of messaging: it is the standard. Whether you are looking to send personalized promotions or provide real-time customer support, rich features are the key to capturing the next generation of consumers.
Message Blink, Salesforce SMS App supports RCS, making it easier than ever for your business to transition from basic texts to branded, interactive conversations.