Google is ramping up its messaging efforts by adding a much-awaited feature to its built-in text messaging app. The recent update to Google Messages finally adds a definite RCS label alongside contacts that have the advanced messaging protocol enabled, ending one of the app's most infuriating user experience headaches.
Users Won't Know Who Supported RCS Before
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the future replacement of SMS and MMS with features such as read receipts, typing indicators, sharing high-res photos, and Wi-Fi messaging. But one issue that has long lingered is visibility: users couldn't know who supported RCS until they initiated a conversation. That's changing now, according to 9to5Google.
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New RCS Labels in Google Messages
With the newest beta release of Google Messages for Android (20250527_01_RC00), a new label for RCS is displayed beside contacts that can use the feature.
Scrolling through your contact list in the "Start chat" window will display those who are RCS-enabled. A Reddit thread says that if a contact has more than one phone number, each phone number will have the RCS compatibility status displayed individually.
Aside from the label, Google also used dynamic color theming to bring attention to RCS-enabled contacts. They are displayed with a colored text, while SMS-only contacts show in plain black or white, depending on the theme of your phone. It's that small but mindful visual signal that makes it as easy as ever to spot who offers rich messaging features.
Cleaner UI and Smarter Design
As reported by Android Police, the update is not only about RCS visibility. Google has also streamlined the interface by renaming the title of the chat composer window.
What was previously titled "New conversation" is now better named "New Chat." These small tweaks help simplify the overall process and make Google Messages feel fresher and more user-friendly.
RCS Adoption May Boom Due to This Change
Though this new RCS indicator may appear small, it can actually be a huge factor in speeding up RCS adoption. Beforehand, users had to message or guess somebody to know whether they were using RCS or not. This annoyance tended to drive individuals to third-party applications such as WhatsApp or Telegram.
With Google now eliminating the guessing game, Android users have a reason to use the built-in Messages app.
What's Next for Google Messages?
This isn't the only addition in the works. Based on recent tests spotted by 9to5Google, future additions are:
- A landscape layout for better usability on tablets
- A bigger compose box for long messages
- Threaded replies for a more organized conversation
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