RCS, mobile messaging that looks like a mini-application
Unlike traditional SMS, which only uses plain text and a few characters, RCS offers a rich and interactive experience directly in the smartphone's native messaging application:
• Visuals, high-resolution images, carousels, and videos in the message;
• Integrated action buttons: confirm an appointment, generate a map or itinerary, download documents...
• Native interactivity, without downloading an additional application;
• Issuer identity clearly displayed with branding and logo.
This combination gives your messages the power of a conversational mini-application without technical complexity for your users.
Why businesses are seriously interested in it in 2026
1. Interactivity boosts engagement
RCS messages allow direct and fluid interactions with your customers: a “confirm”, “reschedule” or “see the itinerary” button transforms a simple reminder into measurable and immediate action.
For organizations where every appointment counts, this type of engagement is not a gimmick, it is a concrete improvement in confirmation and customer satisfaction rates.
2. A more efficient channel than email and SMS
RCS messages show open rates between 90% and 95% (Source: CM.com), which exceed the opening and interaction rates of email and remain very close to those of traditional SMS while offering visually richer and more engaging content.
RCS campaigns show click rates (CTR) around 15% to 30%, compared to 4% to 7% for traditional SMS. That means up to seven times more interactions thanks to interactive elements like built-in CTAs.
RCS messages get read rates of 70% to 85%, where the email is well below (often under 20%). Just being able to show your logo in messaging increases recognition, trust, and ultimately customer response.
Thanks to these rich functionalities (visuals, action buttons, integrated routes), the RCS encourages action in a measurable way far beyond the traditional SMS or email.
3. Mobile messaging is becoming a real strategic channel
Beyond appointment reminders, RCS opens the door to transactional communications, enriched information flows, simplified forms or even instant feedback buttons.
Imagine being able to:
• Send an appointment confirmation with direct access to the client's agenda;
• Show a complete itinerary to your points of contact;
• Suggest the download of documents related to an appointment;
• Gather immediate feedback after an interaction...
... all without leaving the phone's native messaging system.
What this means for digital, marketing, and customer experience departments
For decision-makers (COMEX members, digital departments, marketing, marketing, customer experience or advisor experience...), this evolution is a pragmatic response to modern user expectations.
Customers don't want to open ten applications or search their emails. They want interactions that are simple, clear, visual, and actionable and RCS offers just that, while still being compatible with existing mobile infrastructure.
Challenges to anticipate before deploying RCS
As with any innovation, a few points deserve attention:
• Device compatibility, not all smartphones fully support RCS yet, which requires an intelligent fallback strategy between SMS/RCS;
• Opt-in required, customers must agree to receive RCS messages;
• Coordination with mobile operators, RCS requires configuration from operators for identifiers and deliverability.
A channel that goes beyond reminding appointments
Organizations that reinvent their mobile communication create seamless conversational journeys that support the customer throughout their interaction with the brand.
Whether for Reduce no-shows, simplify exchanges after an appointment or offer key information at your fingertips, RCS represents a major opportunity in the arsenal of customer relationship tools.
Mobile messaging redesigned for the conversational age
At a time when customer experiences are being played out at all touchpoints, RCS offers a powerful alternative to SMS and email, combining ease of use, visual richness and native interactivity.
For large organizations, integrating this channel into their journeys and in particular in communications around appointments is no longer just ambitious, it is a direct response to the new expectations of mobile users.
Do you want to go further on this subject or explore concrete use cases for your organization? Let's talk about it.
Contact one of our experts to take advantage of Agendize expertise and find out more about the feasibility of your project.
