For a long time, exchanging messages between iPhones and Android devices was quite cumbersome. This issue stemmed from Apple’s choice to restrict its users to SMS when attempting to communicate with Androids. Such a limitation deprived users of various modern messaging features that have become commonplace, including seamless group chats.

However, this scenario shifted dramatically when Apple embraced RCS support. This messaging standard had existed on Android devices for years, but its introduction to iPhones meant that conversations represented by “green bubbles” were significantly improved. With RCS, users can now enjoy many of the advantages of iMessage, such as indicators showing when someone is typing, the ability to share high-resolution images and videos, and reliable group messaging functionality.

Despite these advancements, the full potential of RCS has yet to be realized. While this protocol offers a range of features, many remain unavailable on iOS, including end-to-end encryption (though it should be noted that some Android-to-Android conversations lack this security as well) and message editing, which enables users to modify a sent message. Thankfully, this is beginning to evolve.

As highlighted by Android Authority, the ability to edit messages is currently being rolled out to users of Google Messages. This allows Android users to modify any message sent to iPhone users via RCS for a duration of up to 15 minutes post-sending. Confirmation from Android Authority indicates that this feature is operational when communicating with iPhone users who are on both iOS 18.5 and the iOS 26 beta. This opportunity includes both one-on-one conversations and group messaging.

While this update represents significant progress, it is accompanied by important limitations. It appears that this functionality is being rolled out gradually. Although some users, like Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority, have access to it, a wider release may take time. Additionally, iPhone users currently do not have access to this feature—at least for now. At present, this editing capability resides solely within Google Messages, lacking support from Apple. Consequently, when an edited message is received by an iPhone user, it is visually presented as a completely new message accompanied by an asterisk to indicate a modification.

Although iMessage itself does offer message editing along with end-to-end encryption, its functionality is restricted to interactions amongst iPhone users. This means that when texting friends with Android devices, users miss out on these conveniences. The hope is that as RCS continues to evolve and Apple integrates additional features, greater compatibility will emerge. There may come a time when sending messages to Android users via RCS will ensure that content is secured with encryption, or when an edited message sent from an iPhone can be adjusted for any contact, not just fellow iPhone owners. At this moment, though, the advantage lies with Google Messages users, while iPhone owners must await the next message indicating any changes made.