Editorial adjustments may be imminent - Edits to News Imminent
The latest version of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard, RCS 3.0, recently approved by the GSMA, is set to introduce a new message editing feature. This feature aims to allow users to edit sent messages, but its smooth functionality depends on updates to messaging apps, particularly Apple's.
The new editing function, currently in testing phases, will display edited texts as a new message with a subtle asterisk (*) in front of it. However, when an Android user edits a message sent to an iPhone, the recipient will receive two separate messages: the original message and a new message with the asterisk. This is due to the iPhone's partial support for RCS message editing features, even with the introduction of some RCS support in iOS 18.5 and the iOS 26 beta.
While iMessage users have had the ability to edit sent texts within a certain time frame, this was not possible in communication between Android and iPhone until now. Google and Apple are collaborating to enable editing of messages sent via Google Messages on iPhones, a significant step forward in cross-platform messaging.
However, the edited message function on the iPhone may not work as smoothly as within iMessage or on Android devices. Moreover, there is no seamless integration into the chat history like in iMessage yet. The edited text is not directly incorporated into the original message on the recipient's iPhone.
Apple has planned updates for its messaging app, but has not yet provided a specific date. Indications of test runs for the edited message function have already appeared in developer betas. The editing function remains mainly an experiment for beta users of Google Messages.
RCS 3.0 offers improved security through end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages are secure during transmission. The practice testing of the edited message function was reported by tech portals such as "The Verge" and "Android Authority."
As the RCS 3.0 rollout continues, users can look forward to a more flexible and secure messaging experience, although there may be some initial hiccups in cross-platform communication.
- The Commission, recognizing the potential of the RCS 3.0 standard in enhancing communication technology, has also published a report on the implementation of the programme, focusing on the integration of smartphones and gadgets in the new message editing feature.
- As the new message editing feature is tested, it becomes evident that the convergence of technology, particularly in the realms of smartphones and messaging apps, is crucial for a seamless cross-platform experience, as displayed in the interaction between Android and iPhone devices.
