Google Messages Tests Native RCS Video Calling

Beta app strings and log checks indicate the app could add in-chat video calls and the feature would depend on carrier and platform support to work for users.

Overview

A recent Google Messages beta build contains strings that reference RCS video UI elements such as call and cancel buttons, suggesting developers are building an in-chat video flow.
The same beta includes runtime log checks that mention an RcsVideoController and whether recipients are reachable over RCS video, which implies the app will verify network and device capability before connecting.
Today Google Messages still redirects most video calls to Google Meet rather than providing a native video call inside chats, so this change would move functionality from an external app into the messaging window.
There is no visible user interface, rollout timeline, or confirmation of cross-platform support yet, and real-world availability will require server-side rollout, carrier adoption of RCS UP4.0, and device vendor participation.
The RCS Universal Profile 4.0 officially adds video calling at the standards level, so if carriers and major platforms adopt it, users could gain native video calls inside Messages but Android–iPhone compatibility remains uncertain.