RCS 4.0: iPhone and Android Video Calls Get Closer

Remember the days when the biggest wall between iPhone and Android users was the color of their text bubbles? While RCS (Rich Communication Services) has largely addressed the texting divide, a new bridge is being built for video calls. The GSM Association (GSMA) recently announced the finalization of the RCS Universal Profile 4.0 standard, which could finally bring seamless, interoperable video calling to our native messaging apps.

The standout feature of this new update is called Messaging-Initiated Video Calls, or MIVC. Essentially, it allows users to turn a one-on-one or group RCS chat into a video call with a simple tap. It sounds like something we already do on WhatsApp or FaceTime, but the magic here is that it’s designed to work natively across different operating systems. This means you wouldn't necessarily need a third-party app to have a high-quality video chat with your friend who uses a different phone than you do.

According to the GSMA, MIVC will ensure conversation continuity. If you miss the start of a group video call, you can join the ongoing session later directly from the chat interface. It also synchronizes call logs within your chat timeline, making the transition between text and video feel much more fluid. It’s a step toward making the smartphone experience more about the person you're talking to and less about the logo on the back of their device.

However, don't expect this to land on your phone tomorrow. While the standard is finalized, it’s now up to tech giants like Apple and Google to implement RCS 4.0 into iOS and Android. Apple only recently adopted RCS, so while the path is clear, the timeline for these interoperable video calls remains a bit of a waiting game. Still, for those of us tired of jumping between five different apps just to see a friend's face, this is a very promising development.