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iOS and Android Messaging Enter a New Era
The historic rivalry between iPhones and Android smartphones is finally showing signs of softening—at least in the messaging world. Apple has made the long-awaited move to support Rich Communication Services (RCS), a modern protocol designed to replace outdated SMS systems. This shift has begun to bridge the gap between the two platforms, allowing for more seamless, feature-rich communication. But the integration is still a work in progress, with Apple planning to introduce full RCS 3.0 support—including encryption and message editing—in the upcoming iOS 26 update.
This article explores a significant development in this direction: Android users can now edit messages they’ve sent to iPhone users using RCS, albeit in a limited and imperfect form. Here’s a look at how this feature works today, where it’s heading, and what it means for users across both platforms.
The Current State of RCS Message Editing Between iPhone and Android
RCS is gradually replacing traditional SMS, offering features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-res media sharing, and now—message editing. Android users testing beta versions of the Messages app have started seeing an exciting new function: the ability to edit messages already sent to iPhone users.
By long-pressing a sent message, Android users can now tap a pencil icon to bring the original message back into the input field. They can then modify the text and resend it. However, the experience is not yet as smooth as it sounds. On the iPhone side, the edited message does not overwrite the original. Instead, the message appears with an asterisk followed by the edited text, essentially creating a separate post rather than a true update.
Notably, this feature appears to work even on older iOS versions such as 18.5—not just the developer beta of iOS 26. However, iPhone users still can’t edit messages sent to Android devices. iOS users can only edit messages sent to fellow iPhone users through Apple’s iMessage system.
Full two-way editing and end-to-end encryption are expected only once Apple rolls out complete RCS 3.0 support. For now, the feature is in a trial stage, limited in scope and functionality, but it marks an important step in cross-platform messaging evolution.
What Undercode Say: 📱 The Tech Behind the Shift
Cross-Platform Messaging Enters a New Phase
RCS is essentially the modern successor to SMS, aimed at delivering a richer messaging experience that includes multimedia, better syncing, and enhanced privacy. Google’s push to make RCS a global standard was long resisted by Apple—until now. Apple’s decision to embrace RCS, starting with iOS 18 and more extensively in iOS 26, is likely a response to regulatory and user pressures.
Limited But Promising Rollout
What’s happening right now is a hybrid experience. Android users with beta access are experimenting with RCS message editing that partially works across platforms. But the feature is more of a workaround than a true cross-platform function. Since edits on Android appear as separate messages with asterisks on iPhones, the usability remains clunky. It’s an indicator that Apple has not yet fully committed to RCS 3.0 features—especially message editing and encryption.
Apple’s Strategic Caution
Apple’s history shows it doesn’t rush integration unless it aligns with its broader ecosystem goals. The cautious rollout of RCS features, including message editing, suggests Apple is testing the waters without disrupting its iMessage ecosystem. However, RCS 3.0 will likely arrive in full force with iOS 26—bringing real message editing, full encryption, and eventually, parity between platforms.
Consumer Benefit vs Brand Strategy
While users will benefit from fewer messaging barriers, Apple still has much to gain by keeping iMessage features exclusive. It’s a subtle power play—giving enough to appease regulators and improve user experience, while holding back full equality to keep iPhones attractive to users in mixed-device households.
What’s Still Missing?
True two-way message editing
Encrypted RCS messaging on iPhones
Seamless UI integration on iOS for edited messages
Unified standards for message syncing and deletion across devices
Until Apple fully supports RCS 3.0, users will continue to see fragmented experiences in mixed-platform chats.
✅ Fact Checker Results
✅ Android beta users can now edit RCS messages sent to iPhones.
✅ Edits appear as asterisked follow-ups on iPhones, not true message replacements.
❌ iPhone users cannot yet edit RCS messages sent to Android users.
🔮 Prediction
As iOS 26 rolls out with full RCS 3.0 support, expect a more polished and balanced messaging experience between iPhones and Androids. True message editing, stronger encryption, and possibly even media syncing across platforms could become the new normal. Apple will likely implement these changes incrementally—testing the waters without fully surrendering the dominance of iMessage. By 2026, cross-platform texting may finally feel seamless and modern.
References:
Reported By: 9to5mac.com
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