RCS text messaging has gotten a lot of attention in recent weeks, but a change could be coming for some phone users, according to a recent warning from Verizon.

In a notice on its website, Verizon noted that Advanced Messages will be phased out in Samsung Messages starting in 2025.

According to the carrier, starting January 6, users who have been using Samsung Messages will need to switch to Google Messages to “send and receive photos and videos over 5MB.”

“This also includes read and write confirmations and large groups,” the warning says.

Regardless of whether users switch to Google Messages, Verizon notes that access to old messages will still be available in Samsung Messages.

So what can you do?

How to switch to Google Messages if you use Samsung Messages, and what happens to your messages and media when you switch:

• Verizon Messages/Message+ or Samsung Messages to Google Messages:
  • Google Messages automatically syncs your text messages, photos, and videos (less than 5MB) by accessing these files from your device’s local storage.
  • Advanced Groups and some Message+-specific app features don’t sync with Google Messages.
• Samsung Messages to Google Messages – Google Messages automatically syncs your text messages.

What exactly is an RCS text message and why are so many people talking about it?

This is likely due to a recent update from Apple that makes it easier to send SMS between Android and Apple phones. When Apple introduced iOS 18 earlier this fall, it also introduced the SMS feature, but that still presents some challenges.

What does RCS mean?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) allows sending SMS between Android users and Apple phones.

“Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats provide an enhanced, rich messaging experience,” says Android.com. “RCS Chats shows you when someone is typing, provides read receipts, lets you share files and high-resolution photos, and more.”

Why use RCS SMS?

According to Apple, RCS SMS allows users to send texts, high-resolution photos and videos, links and more, as well as delivery and read receipts and “typing indicators.”

These types of texts usually appear in a green bubble, as opposed to the blue iMessage bubble.

“If you don’t use iMessage, you can use RCS. “RCS text messages can be sent to non-Apple devices as well as to another iPhone or another Apple device with text message forwarding enabled,” Apple noted.

Google, the developer of Android, has long been pressuring Apple to adopt RCS.

What are the disadvantages of using RCS?

Apple noted that while RCS SMS is now available, such messages are “not end-to-end encrypted,” meaning they are “not protected from being read by third parties while being sent between devices.” .

This is particularly problematic as several US telecommunications companies, including AT&T and Verizon, as well as dozens of other nations, have been affected by a Chinese hacking campaign.

The campaign, nicknamed “Salt Typhoon” by Microsoft, “is one of the largest intelligence compromises in U.S. history and has not yet been fully remedied,” NBC News reported.

Apple has stated that RCS messaging is a “carrier-provided service.”

“When your device connects to your mobile network, it communicates with your mobile provider and its partners to set up RCS. User IDs are exchanged for your wireless carrier and its partners to authenticate your device and provide connection,” the company’s website says. “These identifiers may include, but are not limited to, your IMEI, IMSI, your current IP address and your telephone number. Your current IP address may also be shared with other RCS users.”

How can you ensure your messages are encrypted?

iMessage users communicating with other iMessage users are automatically encrypted. The same applies to Google messages sent to other Google users.

However, when iMessage users communicate with Google users, RCS comes into play, meaning the messages are not “end-to-end encrypted.”

In the past, this has led many people looking for encryption to use popular apps like WhatsApp to communicate.

How can you use RCS text messaging?

To use RCS, Apple users will need iOS 18 as long as they have an SMS plan from a provider that supports RCS on iPhone, Apple said.

To turn RCS on or off, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messages.

For Android users:

1. Open Google Messages on your device.
2. Tap your profile picture or icon in the top right, then tap Message Settings.
3. Tap RCS Chats.
4. Turn on RCS chats.