Apple has finally made the move that millions of iPhone users have been waiting for—Apple adopts RCS, or Rich Communication Services, into iMessage. This highly anticipated transition entails a big leap forward in communication between iPhone and Android devices, now developing past the constraints of the conventional SMS and MMS.
Using RCS on iPhone, Apple will fill the chasm between messaging services and support more current communication norms, including improved-quality media sharing, the presence of typing indicators, read receipts, and safeguarded messaging.
What Is RCS And Why Does It Matter?
With the Rich Communication Services (RCS), the next generation of messaging protocol aims to replace the ancient SMS or MMS standards. Designed in accordance with the work of the GSMA and available in extensive environments on Android, RCS allows the use of enhanced scenarios that include:
- Wi-Fi and mobile data messaging
- Real-time typing indicators
- High-resolution image and video sharing
- Read receipts and delivery confirmations
- Improved group chats
Until now, Apple refused to adopt RCS, instead relying exclusively on iMessage for iPhone-to-iPhone communication and SMS/MMS for messages sent to Android users. This created a fragmented user experience, particularly for cross-platform communication. But with Apple RCS integration, the playing field is about to change.
Apple Confirms RCS For iPhone: What to Expect
Apple indicated that RCS would be implemented on iPhone through an upcoming iOS update and will probably begin on iOS 18. iMessage will still be the default solution used when communicating between two iPhones, but RCS messaging on iOS will be the default solution to communicate with Android users and replace SMS/MMS.
Key Benefits of RCS on iPhone:
- Higher-quality media sharing between Android and iPhone users
- More reliable group messaging regardless of device type
- Typing indicators and read receipts even in cross-platform conversations
- Wi-Fi messaging support when mobile data isn’t available
Apple states that their implementation of RCS on iPhone will follow the GSMA’s Universal Profile, ensuring compatibility with most Android messaging apps.
RCS Messaging on iOS vs Android
Android users have been using RCS for years, thanks to Google Messages and other compatible apps. However, until now, RCS only worked well between Android devices. The biggest problem was the fallback to SMS/MMS when chatting with iPhone users.
Now that Apple adopts RCS, cross-platform messaging will feel much more modern. Android users will no longer be limited to low-res photos and delayed group chats when talking to iPhone users. Similarly, iPhone users will enjoy a much smoother messaging experience with Android contacts.
How Will RCS Work on iPhone?
Apple is not replacing iMessage. Instead, Apple RCS Messaging will be activated only when messaging Android devices. Conversations between two iPhone users will continue to use iMessage, with its signature blue bubbles.
Messages sent to Android users via RCS will still appear with green bubbles, but the experience will feel significantly more advanced than traditional SMS. These green bubbles will now come with rich features, offering a modern feel to cross-platform texting.
