For years Google has been promoting RCS as a superior replacement for SMS, offering benefits such as higher resolution images and video support, bigger file sizes, send/receive notifications, and more. However, the adoption of RCS is still slow, even though Apple has started to adopt it with some limitations. The challenge with RCS lies in achieving wide feature compatibility between devices that support it.
To address interoperability issues, the GSMA has introduced the Universal Profile, a set of RCS features that partner carriers can universally adopt. However, the adoption process is slow. Carriers that officially support RCS features and those that adopt the Universal Profile standard are discussed below.
Google Messages is a good option for using RCS, even if your carrier does not directly support it. Many carriers have limited RCS support or device compatibility issues, which can be bypassed by using the Google Messages app. To fully utilize RCS as intended by Google, using the Google Messages app on your device is recommended. The app provides full RCS support across carrier networks.
Verizon no longer supports RCS through its Verizon Messages Plus app, but it does support Samsung’s Advanced Messaging for sending RCS messages to other Galaxy owners. AT&T uses the term Advanced Messaging for RCS and works with any Android device with RCS support using the Google Messages app.
T-Mobile officially supports RCS using the Universal Profile and offers compatibility with any app that supports true RCS, including the native Android app. Prepaid networks like Google Fi and Mint also support RCS but require the use of the Android Messages app. Other carriers may have limited or no RCS support for third-party apps.
In conclusion, using the Google Messages app is the easiest way to access RCS features, regardless of carrier support. The adoption of RCS is slowly growing, and with the Universal Profile standard in place, wider compatibility across devices is expected in the future.