Verizon and T-Mobile aren't supporting RCS on the Pixel 4 at launch
The companies haven't confirmed whether or not they'll support RCS later on.
Google has been pushing its SMS-alternative Rich Communication Services (RCS) for years. And it's no secret that the roll out has been a bit of a mess. Now, in another set back, Verizon and T-Mobile will not support RCS messaging on the Pixel 4 at launch.
Both Verizon (Engadget's parent company) and T-Mobile were early supporters of Google's push for RCS. Verizon supported the standard on the Pixel 3, so it's especially odd that it won't support it on Pixel 4, at least at launch. In a tweet yesterday, Verizon confirmed that the Pixel 4 will not support RCS when it launches, but the company did not say why.
Ouch! We're so sorry to have contributed to this confusion. You are so right, the Pixel 3 (by Google) does support RCS, as does Samsung's S9. The Pixel 4 (also by Google, not Samsung 😬) will not yet be RCS supported by VZ at launch. We will let you know if anything changes! ^KAD
— Verizon Wireless CS (@VZWSupport) October 17, 2019
There's always a chance that Verizon and T-Mobile will support RCS on the Pixel 4 in the future, but neither company has confirmed that.
Hey there, Thomas. Great question! No, the new T-Mobile Pixels do not support RCS at this time. DM us with additional questions. Thanks! https://t.co/xa3Nj2eHVd ^AlishaCombs
— T-Mobile Help (@TMobileHelp) October 15, 2019
Engadget has reached out to Google, Verizon and T-Mobile for more information.
