Google is preparing a major upgrade to its Messages app that will make texting between Android and iPhone users much smoother and more secure. For a long time, Android and Apple phones haven’t worked well together when it comes to messaging. But this upcoming change is expected to improve the experience and add strong privacy protections.
New Messaging Technology Called RCS
The improvement is based on a system called RCS, short for Rich Communication Services. It’s a modern replacement for traditional SMS texting. This system adds features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality image sharing—all without needing third-party apps. Most importantly, RCS supports encryption, which means messages can be protected and private.
Recently, the organization that decides how mobile networks work— the GSMA announced support for RCS as the new standard. Both Google and Apple have agreed to upgrade their messaging apps to match this system, allowing Android and iPhone users to send safer, encrypted messages to each other for the first time.
Why Is This Important Now?
The push for stronger messaging security comes after several cyberattacks, including a major hacking campaign by Chinese groups known as "Salt Typhoon." These hackers broke into American networks and accessed sensitive data. Events like this have raised concerns about weak security in regular text messaging. Even the FBI advised people not to use SMS for sharing personal or financial details.
What’s Changing in Google Messages?
As part of this shift, Google is updating its Messages app to make it easier for users to see which contacts are using RCS. In a test version of the app, spotted by Android Authority, Google is adding new features that label contacts based on whether they support RCS. The contact list may also show different colors to make RCS users stand out.
At the moment, there’s no clear way to know whether a chat will use secure RCS or fallback SMS. This update will fix that. It will even help users identify if someone using an iPhone has enabled RCS messaging.
A More Secure Future for Messaging
Once this update is live, Android users will have a messaging app that better matches Apple’s iMessage in both features and security. It also means people can communicate across platforms without needing apps like WhatsApp or Signal. With both Google and Apple on board, RCS could soon become the standard way we all send safe and reliable text messages.