Google Messages is quietly ditching a key RCS feature users rely on

Google Messages, a major promoter of Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, is reportedly planning to remove a key feature that allows users to disable RCS for individual conversations. According to Android Authority, the current version of Google Messages allows users to opt out of RCS for specific contacts, but a new app update appears to be laying the groundwork for this option's removal.

This change means that users may only be able to disable RCS across all chats, rather than for individual conversations. Android Police notes that Google Messages has struggled with RCS issues, and this change may upset critics of the messaging service.

The removal of this feature could be problematic for users who experience issues with RCS, as they may have to disable it entirely or continue using it for all conversations. Google Messages has previously offered RCS features such as read receipts, bigger media attachments, and cross-platform messaging.

Brief written by urgent.news from Android Police, Android Authority — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.