Verizon will launch RCS Chat on Pixel 3 starting December 6, but for now, it will hardly matter

RCS Chat, the Google-developed universal messaging profile that will replace SMS/MMS, will launch on Verizon on Thursday, December 6; it will be a Pixel 3 and 3 XL exclusive at launch. Verizon has stated they plan to bring Chat support to more Android phones over time, but as of right now, it may not matter.

Rich Communication Services (RCS) has been in the pipeline for years now as carriers have long wished to eliminate SMS/MMS and their many limitations. Like WhatsApp, Messenger, and iMessage, RCS supports large file transfers, read receipts, typing indicators, and unlimited character length; however, carriers have never come to an agreement on a standard with everyone developing their own "standard".

With Chat, Google developed a "universal" profile that would be carrier independent much like iMessage, except without end-to-end encryption. At announcement, all major carriers announced support for the implementation of the Chat standard as did many manufacturers, but noticeably absent was Apple. Verizon now appears to be the first to push the standard forward, but they have said there will be significant early limitation.

As mentioned, the Pixel 3 will be the only device to implement Chat in the beginning, and, thankfully, it will be built in to Messages so there is no need to install Messages+ (Verizon's messaging platform). However, the features will only really be helpful if you are texting with another Pixel 3. Verizon has stated that all members in a messaging thread must have Chat to be able to take advantage, or it will default back to SMS/MMS. Basically, if you message with a Pixel 3 to another Pixel 3, both on Verizon, enjoy your new messaging features. Otherwise, you will not notice a thing.

Interestingly enough, Google's own MVNO, Google Fi, does not yet support the standard, and unfortunately, as mentioned, Apple has made no mention of ever supporting it. Regardless, this is certainly a welcomed step from all of us that cannot wait to finally see SMS/MMS laid to rest.