Apple is now ready to write history with the iPhone 17 coming on September 9, 2025, at 10:30 PM IST. However, on top of the hardware improvements and design enhancements, there is one revolutionary announcement that makes an Indian user proud: Apple has also partnered with Reliance Jio to enable the RCS messaging aspect on iPhones in India. It is a significant change in how the users of iOS are going to communicate, and the longstanding gap between Google RCS on Android and the iMessage ecosystem of Apple will be closed.
Through this cooperation, in the very near future, Indian iPhone users will enjoy advanced messaging features way beyond the ordinary SMS. RCS on iPhone will transform how people interact digitally through the use of file sharing and typing signals, end-to-end encryption, and improved spam filters.
What is RCS Messaging, and Why Does it Matter?
Rich Communication Services is the next generation messaging protocol designed to replace SMS. In comparison to the plain text and simple multimedia features of SMS, RCS is more interactive, secure, and modernised. Imagine it as WhatsApp, iMessage, and email rolled into the default message service of your phone.
For years, Google RCS has been available on Android devices, delivering features like:
Key Benefits:
- Real-time typing indicators
- Read receipts
- High-resolution photo and video sharing
- Group chats with better control
- End-to-end encryption
Until now, Apple has resisted integrating RCS into iPhones, focusing only on iMessage. However, the work with Jio in India indicates Apple’s recognition of the growing demand for cross-platform, secure, and feature-rich messaging.
Apple and Jio—Strategic Partners for India
India is one of the largest smartphone markets in the world & Jio has been at the forefront of driving digital adoption. By enabling iOS RCS messaging in partnership with Jio, Apple is tapping into a massive user base eager for seamless communication.
The Benefits Include
Cross-network compatibility: iPhone users can now use RCS to text Android users.
Improved business communication: RCS will also allow businesses to reach iPhone users with customer engagement messages (banking alerts, travel updates, e-commerce notifications, etc.).
Increased security: The Jio-enabled RCS on the iPhones will be safer since it will have increased protection against spam and phishing.
This move also places India at the centre of Apple’s global RCS rollout strategy, aligning with the iPhone 17 launch event.
