RCS, the new standard of text messaging that will ultimately replace SMS for Android phones, will finally be rolling out on Verizon tomorrow. However, support will be limited to a couple of devices – the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL to be precise. The carrier does say that it will eventually bring this functionality to other devices on its network in the future.
Verizon will be launching RCS Chat for the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL come December 6th. They will be the only smartphones on Verizon with this feature for now. The carrier does tell The Verge that it is “committed to bringing advanced messaging to other Verizon smartphones in the future.”
This means that it might take some time before other devices get it as well. A Verizon executive did say recently that RCS Chat would be more broadly supported on the network come early next year.
RCS breathes new life into text messaging with features like typing indicators, improved group chats, and the ability to share videos and images in high resolution. They’re the kind of features you would expect from most messaging apps but lacks some privacy-focused features such as end-to-end encryption.
Since it’s based on the Universal Profile, Verizon’s iteration of RCS Chat will work with other carriers once they start rolling it out as well. Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL owners will be able to experience it in the Messages app starting tomorrow.
Filed in . Read more about Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL and Verizon.