RCS update will bring native video calls between Galaxy phones and iPhones

Rich Communication Services (RCS) was introduced over a decade ago to improve messaging without relying on third-party apps like WhatsApp. In late 2024, Apple adopted RCS for iPhones, which helped improve messaging between Android devices and iPhones (iOS). Now, the next major version of RCS is set to bring native video calling.

The GSMA, which oversees RCS development, has announced RCS Universal Profile 4.0. This update introduces several key features.

One of the biggest additions of RCS Universal Profile 4.0 is native video calling. A video call option will appear directly within the messaging app, allowing users to initiate calls without switching to another app. With Message-Initiated Video Calls (MIVC), users can also start a video call within a chat thread, enabling other participants in a group conversation to join or leave at any time.

RCS 4.0 also introduces text formatting options, including bold, italics, and strikethrough. In addition, it further improves the quality of audio, images, and videos shared through RCS.

For business messaging, the RCS update adds support for embedded streaming videos and more control over how links are opened. Users will be able to choose whether links open within the messaging app or in an external app.

Despite these improvements, RCS 4.0 is not expected to arrive on Android and iPhone devices anytime soon. RCS Universal Profile 3.0, announced in March 2025, has yet to be widely adopted and is expected to roll out later this year.

Based on that timeline, RCS 4.0 will likely be implemented sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.