Native Video Calls Between Galaxy and iPhones Could Be Possible With RCS 4.0

RCS, short for Rich Communication Services, started as a modern upgrade to SMS. It brought features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing, making default messaging apps feel closer to WhatsApp or iMessage.

But with RCS Universal Profile 4.0, the shift goes beyond better texting. The new version quietly lays the groundwork for something much bigger: native video calls that could eventually work between Android phones (including Galaxy) and iPhones.

RCS 4.0 will bring improved video calling and better media sharing

The GSMA has officially introduced RCS Universal Profile 4.0, bringing a new wave of upgrades to modern messaging. The headline feature here is Message-Initiated Video Calls (MIVC). This allows users to start a video call directly from within a chat thread, with participants able to join or leave seamlessly, without switching to a third-party app.

On the surface, it sounds like a convenience feature. But the real story is interoperability. With Apple already adopting RCS, MIVC opens the possibility of native video calls between Galaxy phones and iPhones using their default messaging apps. It’s something that has never existed without relying on third-party apps.

Of course, this depends entirely on how Apple and Android OEMs implement the feature, so it’s not guaranteed to roll out universally right away. Still, the technical foundation is now in place. But the elephant in the room is it’s going to take a while.

Alongside video calling, RCS 4.0 also improves media sharing. The update brings better support for high-quality images, videos, and richer content formats, making conversations feel more dynamic and less like traditional messaging.

Business messaging gets a major boost

One of the biggest upgrades in RCS 4.0 focuses on business communication. Companies can now deliver more interactive and visually rich messages, including branded conversations, improved customer interaction tools, and richer media experiences in chats.

This opens the door for better customer support, more engaging promotions, and real-time service updates. All of this directly inside the messaging app, without pushing users to external platforms.

RCS has already replaced SMS for many Android users, especially through apps like Google Messages. Now, version 4.0 shows that the platform is evolving beyond basic messaging.