Android & iphone messaging finally inch closer with rcs upgrade

android users may see a significant upgrade to messaging functionality soon, but iPhone users will likely have to wait. The GSMA has officially unveiled RCS Universal Profile 4.0, a substantial leap forward in the evolution of messaging beyond the outdated SMS.

What’s new in the latest rcs version

RCS, intended as a successor to SMS, has long promised richer communication – think high-quality photo sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts, similar to Apple’s iMessage. But version 4.0 introduces substantial enhancements. Real-time video calling is now built directly into the messaging layer. Group messaging capabilities are expanded, and the latest iteration incorporates stronger spam and scam filtering mechanisms. Perhaps most significantly, the groundwork for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) across more message types is being laid – a long-sought goal for the industry.

The development arrives after years of pressure on Apple to adopt RCS. Apple finally added support with iOS 18 in 2024, but their implementation remains stuck on version 2.4. This creates a considerable gap with the features now available in UP 4.0.

The encryption delay: a key point

Currently, RCS messages between android and iPhone devices aren't end-to-end encrypted by default, raising privacy concerns. While Google Messages has been a proponent of RCS, and is expected to roll out UP 4.0 features relatively quickly, Apple's timeline remains opaque. The GSMA standard has been available since mid-2024, yet it hasn’t materialized in a stable iOS release.

The challenge lies not in the technical complexity of some of these features, but in the willingness of platforms and carriers to adopt them. Apple's past behavior – the 2.7 specification released in mid-2024 still hasn’t made it into iOS – signals a cautious approach. Compliance requirements, even those for simpler features, haven’t accelerated their implementation.

For android users, this update offers tangible improvements—better spam protection and the potential for secure video calls. However, iPhones users remain on the sidelines. Without a significant regulatory push or a compelling competitive reason, Apple’s pace with RCS will likely remain its own.

The GSMA's release of UP 4.0 is a technical milestone. Whether it translates into a significant user experience shift depends entirely on how quickly and comprehensively major platforms embrace the new standard.