Google and Huawei today announced a partnership that would see the latter use Android Messages as the stock messaging app in its devices. Android Messages has support for RCS, Rich Communication Services which is aimed at replacing the traditional SMS service.

Thanks to RCS and Android Messages, Huawei smartphones will be able to offer a richer native messaging experience. This includes being able to send messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data without incurring traditional SMS chargers, ability to share media content, group chats, typing indicators, and more.

“HUAWEI and Google together by forming this strategic partnership will provide consumers with the best global user experience on HUAWEI products with RCS and will enable carriers the ability to offer unique services through business messaging.” said Richard Yu, CEO of HUAWEI’s Consumer Business Group.

The partnership will also allow Huawei smartphone owners to easily make calls over ViLTE and Google Duo.

Huawei is the first major Android OEM to have partnered with Google to use Android Messages as the stock messaging on its devices. Google has already partnered with lots of carriers across the world to support RCS, with LG and Nexus/Pixel devices also using the Android Messages app as the stock messaging app.

Google is using RCS and Android Messages as a response to iMessage in iPhone and macOS. While Google offers a number of messaging apps and platforms, none of them have become a viable alternative to iMessage for iOS. With Android Messages and RCS, Google is hoping to turn things around.