---
title: "What is RCS? | Chargezen"
description: "RCS is a newer messaging standard that adds rich features like images, buttons, read receipts and verified sender branding to the phone's default texting app."
url: "https://chargezen.com/glossary/rcs-rich-communication-services"
lang: "en"
---

Canonical URL: https://chargezen.com/glossary/rcs-rich-communication-services

# RCS

RCS (Rich Communication Services)

SMS Marketing

RCS is a newer messaging standard that adds rich features like images, buttons, read receipts and verified sender branding to the phone's default texting app.

## What is RCS?

RCS is the successor to SMS and MMS, developed through the GSMA, the mobile industry body. Business RCS messages can include carousels, suggested-reply buttons and a verified brand name and logo. **Reach is growing but uneven.** Apple added RCS to iPhone Messages with iOS 18 in 2024 (per Apple's iOS 18 announcement), but business RCS still depends on carrier and device support, so senders fall back to SMS when it isn't available. **SmartyTap doesn't send RCS.** It sends SMS, which works on every phone.

## Example

A retailer's RCS message shows a product carousel with "Buy now" buttons; on a phone without RCS, the same message arrives as a plain text with a link.

## Why RCS Matters

It may change what business texts look like, but plain SMS remains the channel that reaches every customer today.

## RCS FAQ

Does SmartyTap support RCS?

No. SmartyTap sends SMS, which reaches every mobile phone.

Will RCS replace SMS?

Over time it may for supported phones, but SMS stays as the fallback that every phone understands.

## Explore More Terms

Browse our complete glossary of e-commerce and subscription terms.

[View Full Glossary](https://chargezen.com/glossary)