State of Messaging in 2026

RCS is racing ahead with richer experiences. SMS still delivers unmatched reach and reliability. And somewhere between those two worlds, brands are scrambling to prepare for a multimodal, AI‑powered future that’s arriving faster than anyone expected. If you’re feeling stuck between innovation and inertia, this report will cut through the noise.
Learn about
  • A stat-backed snapshot of messaging channel preferences
  • Current extent of RCS adoption: Blockers and catalysts
  • When to use SMS, when to use RCS, and when to blend both
  • Pricing and compliance considerations
  • Top messaging challenges and opportunities in 2026
  • Real-world examples of RCS and AI reshaping customer conversations

26% of brands are already sending RCS, and more than twice that are preparing to follow—adoption is accelerating. But what’s fueling the momentum for early adopters, and what’s holding them back? Inside, you’ll see how leading brands are turning voice, text, images, and more into seamless multimodal conversations powered by AI, among a few unfamiliar opportunities and challenges.

Download the report

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