Google Messages is set to enhance the user experience for RCS texting with new features that aim to make it easier to identify which contacts use Rich Communication Services (RCS). Although these features are not yet available to the public, they were discovered during an APK teardown of a recent beta version of the app. Currently, when users attempt to start a chat in Google Messages, they are presented with a basic list of contacts without any indication of whether they are RCS-enabled or not. To address this, Google Messages is introducing an RCS label next to the contact’s name or number.
This label will clearly identify users utilizing RCS, even extending to iPhone users who have integrated RCS messaging capability. In addition to the new labeling, Google Messages is improving its contact list interface by employing color differentiation. In light mode, RCS users’ names will be color-tinted using Material You accents, while SMS-only contacts will appear in plain white. This color distinction becomes more noticeable in dark mode, creating a clearer contrast for users.
Furthermore, the RCS labeling feature will cater to contacts with multiple saved numbers. If only one of the numbers supports RCS, the label will appear next to that specific number. This improvement serves to help users select the correct contact number for RCS-enabled chats. RCS brings numerous advantages over traditional SMS, such as read receipts, high-quality media sharing, and typing indicators—essentially making it Android’s equivalent to iMessage.
Understanding which contacts are RCS-enabled will significantly enhance the overall messaging experience. While the release date for these features is still unconfirmed, their presence in the beta version indicates they may soon be available for all Google Messages users.
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