Google’s RCS messaging standard just achieved a significant milestone. Users in the US are now sending more than a billion messages per day! This statistic shows the sheer scale of RCS growth, onboarding and how popular it’s becoming as a new messaging platform. This is determined by the average of the past 28 days.
The surge of RCS messaging adoption also coincides with Apple’s decision to get on board with this technology. When iOS 18 comes out this fall of 2024, Apple will have added RCS support, at last, to its Messages app. This change will significantly strengthen outreach and engagement opportunities for users. It particularly resonates with younger audiences in the U.S. who are attracted to blue bubbles, an attraction that has been associated with RCS messaging.
Sarah, a seasoned reporter for TechCrunch since August 2011, has extensively covered developments in technology and its societal implications. Before coming to TechCrunch, she spent over three years at the tireless ReadWriteWeb, where she cut her teeth on the ripest stories on the net. Her experience incorporates an eclectic career in information technology that has spanned multiple industries including banking, retail and software. Whether producing, writing or directing—combined with working as a creative policy advocate—this experience gives her a unique perspective on the developing digital communication landscape.
With the recent launches of RCS messaging—as seen in Walgreens, Domino’s and others—we’re already moving towards much more dynamic and engaging conversations. Users will have access to a host of improved functions including read receipts and high-quality images. Group chats further contribute to a more rewarding messaging experience. Younger audiences especially appreciate these amenities. They naturally gravitate toward communications tools with today’s bells and whistles.
The new school year has further blue-bubbled the iPhone’s emerging hegemony as the device of choice for U.S. teenagers, Troughton-Smith suggests. As RCS messaging continues to find its way into more users’ hands, it will undoubtedly shape users’ preferences and expectations when it comes to messaging applications. Apple looking to RCS’s integration also reflects an important technological upgrade. This decision puts into action an important trend based on consumer perception – seamless communication matters and it’s a key consideration when selecting devices.
Even companies like Google and Apple are on their third or fourth iteration of a messaging platform. The race to satisfy users’ expectations is more cutthroat than ever. RCS messaging is booming on the other hand. This is a real demand from consumers for better communication tools, and a willingness to adopt standards that are going to make connectivity better.
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