Summary
- Google is rolling out the ability to edit RCS messages sent to iOS on Google Messages.
- The feature is a part of Universal Profile 3.0 specification which also brings end-to-end encryption.
- Message editing on Google Messages gives users a 15-minute window to edit their messages.
Apple rolling out RCS support may have improved messaging between Android and iOS, but one of the missing features was message editing. Well, Google finally seems to be rolling out the same via a new update to the Messages app.
First reported by Android Authority, Google appears to be rolling out the ability to edit messages sent to iPhones on Google Messages. Once Android users send a message to iPhone users, they now get 15 minutes to edit the message. The feature seems to work on iOS 18.5 and above devices, including the ones on iOS 26 Beta.
It works just like editing a message between two RCS-enabled Android devices. It's all thanks to Universal Profile 3.0 specification, which brings two new features – message editing and end-to-end encryption. Furthermore, it appears that the feature is not widely available yet but could arrive to the masses in a few weeks.
To edit a message, all users need to do is long-press it and tap on the Pencil icon in the top toolbar. They will then enter edit mode, where they can make the required changes and resend the edited message.
While message editing works on Android, we're not sure if Apple will update its messages app to use the new feature. That said, most of the RCS features like high-quality media sharing, reactions, and read receipts already work between Android and iOS.
EU's stringent decisions are what led Apple to adopt RCS in the first place. So, it should be interesting to see what or if at all Apple rolls out new features to RCS or leaves it as is.
