Google Messages is quietly ditching a key RCS feature users rely on

Google appears to be removing the per-contact ability to force SMS/MMS in Google Messages, pushing users more consistently onto RCS and reducing communication flexibility. For CIOs and IT leaders, this signals a continued move toward richer, more standardized messaging, but also a potential loss of user control and a weaker workaround for spam management, which could affect employee experience and support expectations. IT teams should watch for changes in the Messages app rollout and assess how RCS policy shifts may affect managed Android devices, user guidance, and messaging governance.