Apple’s latest iOS 18 update added a feature that Android users have craved for years: RCS messaging. The move, which doesn’t eliminate those green text bubbles, aims to improve texting between Android and Apple devices.
Both RCS and SMS are fundamental messaging technologies that help us communicate and message each other via phone. But what are the critical differences between RCS and SMS?
In this blog, we’ll dive into RCS vs. SMS, comparing the older SMS with the more modern RCS. We'll explore the fundamental differences between these two messaging formats, their respective features and limitations, and how to determine which one will work best in a business setting.
Go right to:
<h2 id="SMS">What is SMS?</h2>
SMS stands for Short Message Service. It is commonly known as a standard text message between mobile phone users. While many people refer to various mobile messaging types as texts, SMS is defined as 160-character, text-only messages sent via a cellular network. For example, Apple’s iMessage is not an SMS message because it can be sent via Wi-Fi or data instead of a cellular network.
The first SMS message, which read Merry Christmas, was sent in 1992. SMS has since become the most widely used texting technology despite a growing number of ways to exchange digital messages.
Key features and characteristics of SMS
Here are some of the distinguishing features and characteristics of SMS text messages.
- Message length: SMS messages are 160 characters.
- Universal compatibility: SMS is supported by virtually all mobile phones, including both smartphones and basic mobile phones.
- Low cost: SMS messages are generally cost-effective for both businesses and consumers. Standard text messaging rates apply, but they are usually included in mobile phone plans.
- Plain text: SMS messages are text-only — they don’t contain photos or other types of media.
- Sent via a cellular network: SMS messages are sent over a cellular network instead of WiFi or cellular data.
Pros and cons of SMS
Here are some of the key advantages and disadvantages of using SMS.
Pros:
- Digestible: SMS messages must be short and to the point, which makes them digestible and quick to read.
- Adoption and reach: All mobile devices and cellular providers support SMS messages. This messaging type serves as a fallback when the sender or recipient’s phones don’t have data or don’t support modern messaging standards like RCS.
- Accessible and reliable: Mobile phones come with native text messaging apps that support SMS. Users don’t need to toggle on a setting or download a separate application to get text messages. SMS messages are also sent via a cellular signal. This helps to deliver messages when there’s no data or Wi-Fi.
- Easy and familiar: SMS messages are easy to create and familiar to all.
Cons:
- Character limit: The short character limit can make it hard to convey your message and tone.
- Limited media support: SMS messages don’t support multimedia attachments like images and videos. Note: Keep in mind that MMS messages are a good alternative.
- Feature limitations: With SMS messages, you don’t get read receipts, typing indicators, or delivery notifications.
How does SMS differ from iMessage?
The main difference between iMessage and SMS is its feature set. Famous for its blue text bubles, iMessage offers longer character counts, seamless sharing of multimedia, message reactions, typing indicators, and read receipts. On the other hand, SMS offers 160 characters and is text-based. It doesn’t offer the other features like iMessage.
<h2 id="RCS">What is RCS?</h2>
RCS stands for Rich Communication Service. It’s a messaging protocol created in 2007 to replace SMS with advanced features that fit the smartphone era. RCS offers longer messages and supports the sharing of high-resolution multimedia content. It also allows for interactive elements like reactions, read receipts, and enhanced branding opportunities. Overall, RCS aims to bring a more dynamic and feature-rich experience to standard texting between phones.
The adoption of RCS has been slow for several reasons. Specifically, until September 2024, Apple devices didn’t support RCS technology, despite Google attempting to publicly convince the iPhone maker to adopt the standard many years ago. Apple decided to add RCS in response to the public campaign in 2024 but is still keeping iMessage as its most feature-rich messaging type.
Key features and characteristics of RCS
Here are some of the features that differentiate RCS from SMS.
- Rich media support: RCS enables the sharing of multimedia content like images, videos, and GIFs within messages.
- Interactive elements: RCS messages can contain interactive elements like reactions, buttons, suggested actions, and forms, allowing users to engage with content directly within the message.
- No character limit: RCS doesn’t have a strict character count. This allows you to exchange longer messages.
- Read receipts and typing indicators: RCS messages provide read receipts and show when your contacts are typing a response.
- Sent via Internet: Like iMessaging, RCS messages are sent via cellular data or Wi-Fi instead of over a cellular network.
- Group messaging. RCS offers more features when it comes to group texting. For example, more people can be added to a group chat if using RCS.
Pros and cons of RCS
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of RCS messaging.
Pros:
- Supports multimedia: A key pro is that you can send and receive high-quality multimedia messages with ease. These images and videos can improve messaging engagement.
- Feature-rich: Compared to SMS, RCS messaging supports many features like longer messages, read receipts, and typing indicators.
- Encryption: GSMA, the maker of RCS, is working to make it end-to-end encrypted. However, the first iteration of RCS available on iPhone uses the RCS Universal Profile, which is not end-to-end encrypted.
- Verified senders: With RCS business messaging, you can create a verified sender profile. This allows you to display your logo and business in your profile for added security for customers.
- Improved analytics. With RCS chat features like read receipts, you can better track engagement rates.
Cons:
- Adoption and reach: RCS is a carrier-provided service, and some carriers don’t yet support it. Additionally, RCS requires newer smartphone devices and modern mobile operating systems, which could limit its reach.
- Enabling process: To experience the features of RCS, both mobile phone users need it to be enabled on their devices. Additionally, to enable RCS messaging on an Apple device, individuals must have iOS 18 installed and manually add it via settings.
- Complexity: While RCS has more features, this can mean increased complexity and more work to set up campaigns.
- Cost: When it comes to business messaging, because of its enhanced features, it may cost more per message to send and receive.
What’s the difference between iMessage and RCS?
The main difference between iMessage and RCS is exclusivity. iMessage, which comes pre-installed on all iPhones, is Apple’s dedicated messaging service. When texting between iPhones, iMessaging technology is used.
The iMessage provides a feature-rich experience for iPhone users. iMessage allows users to have a typing indicator, add reactions to messages, see read receipts, have messages encrypted, and share rich media.
On the other hand, RCS is a chat protocol that aims to replace SMS, not iMessage. In September 2024, Apple released iOS 18, which enables RCS to be used on iPhones. RCS will be used when Android users and iPhone users exchange texts. This will enable a more feature-rich messaging experience between devices.
RCS offers features similar to iMessage, such as typing indicators, read receipts, and rich media. However, RCS messages on an iPhone will still be green, and not every carrier offers RCS messaging. Another difference is that RCS on the iPhone will not yet provide end-to-end encryption.
.jpeg)
<h2 id="Vs">RCS vs. SMS: How are they different</h2>
There are several key differences between RCS messaging and SMS messaging. Some top differences are adoption, character count, and available features. Take a look at this comparison chart of SMS vs. RCS.
<h2 id="Better">So, is RCS or SMS better for text marketing?</h2>
There’s no black-and-white answer to whether RCS or SMS is better for your business. There are pros and cons to both messaging types. What’s better for your brand will depend on various factors, including your specific marketing goals, target audience, and budget. Here are some considerations to help you decide on RCS messaging vs SMS messaging:
SMS may be better for you if:
Wide reach is essential: SMS is universally supported by all mobile phones, including basic feature phones. If your target audience includes users with older or less sophisticated devices, SMS ensures a broader reach.
Immediate and direct communication is vital: SMS messages are delivered instantly and directly to recipients, making them ideal for time-sensitive promotions or urgent alerts.
Budget constraints exist: SMS is generally more cost-effective than RCS, making it a practical choice for businesses with limited marketing budgets.
Simplicity is preferred: If your marketing messages are straightforward and don't require rich multimedia or interactive elements, SMS may suffice.
RCS may be better for text marketing if:
Visual appeal matters: RCS allows you to send visually appealing messages with multimedia content like images, videos, and GIFs. If aesthetics are important to your texting marketing strategy, RCS can make your messages more engaging.
Interactivity is key: If you want to engage your audience with interactive elements like buttons, suggested actions, or forms directly within the message, RCS provides this capability, potentially leading to higher conversion rates.
Enhanced branding is a priority: RCS allows for customized branding with logos, colors, and styles, helping you maintain a consistent brand presence in your conversations.
It's also worth considering a hybrid approach, where you use both SMS and RCS strategically based on the nature of your campaigns and the segments of your audience you wish to reach.
Reliably connect with customers using Textline
If you’re looking for a way to reliably connect with your customers — no matter their mobile device type — try Textline’s SMS marketing platform today. With built-in tools like MMS, true group messaging, SMS templates, integrations, and automations, you get the features and connectedness you need to scale customer communication.
Try Textline free today for 14 days, or book a demo to see our platform in action.
