TL;DR Google is introducing a new RCS-based method for verifying the identity of incoming callers. Unlike carrier-based authentication system, this one just requires that you and your caller are running Google Phone, Messages, and Contacts. Availability is getting started with Pixel phones, but will extend to other handsets running Android 12 and later. Compared to … Read More “Google is bringing certainty to your calls with fake call detection” »
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR After laying the groundwork over the past few weeks, Google Messages looks ready to introduce custom chat themes. In addition to setting chat color palettes, you’ll also be able to select your choice of background art. Messages will provide several galleries of wallpaper options, or you can choose your … Read More “Google Messages tests chat themes with custom wallpapers” »
TL;DR The RCS Universal Profile 4.0 announced support for cross-platform video calls. Google Messages currently supports video calls though ViLTE and Meet. In its latest beta, Messages adds a new string explicitly referencing RCS video calls. It’s almost hard to believe that we’re still finding new ways to improve messaging in 2026 — you’d think … Read More “Google Messages is getting ready for RCS video calls” »
Ryan Haines / Android Authority TL;DR Apple has released the iOS 26.5 release candidate, which officially introduces end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS conversations between iPhone and Android. A new encryption toggle in the Messages settings will now be enabled by default, preventing third parties from intercepting chats. While currently in the RC phase, the feature … Read More “iPhone-Android RCS messaging finally gets end-to-end encryption” »
