{
  "id": 12545774,
  "title": "Google Messages is quietly ditching a key RCS feature users rely on",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/google-messages-is-quietly-ditching-a-key-rcs-feature-users-rely-on",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-07T04:29:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Android Police",
    "slug": "android-police",
    "url": "https://www.androidpolice.com/google-messages-is-working-to-remove-a-key-rcs-messaging-feature/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "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.\n\nThis 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Android Authority",
        "title": "Google Messages is getting ready to steal one of iMessage’s most fun features",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/google-messages-is-getting-ready-to-steal-one-of-imessages-most-fun",
        "published": "2026-10-07T05:03:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}