At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple previewed iOS 18 with a host of new features. iOS 18 will arrive this fall. iOS 18 introduces new customisation options, the biggest redesign ever of the Photos app, Apple Intelligence and so much more. Among the new features of iOS 18 include support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging.
Let’s delve into the details.
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After the WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple shared the iOS 18 Preview on its official website, showcasing the debut of RCS on iPhones. As depicted in the screenshot below, RCS maintains the green bubbles, signalling communication with Android users.
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Notable difference is the tag “Text Message • RCS” within the chat interface. Additionally, Apple disclosed that Read Receipts would become available with the implementation of RCS in iOS 18.
Apple said that when messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app will support RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS.
It’s unlikely that pressure campaigns from Google and Samsung were the sole factors driving Apple’s decision to adopt RCS. One significant factor of bringing RCS support to iPhone could have been an attempt to address concerns from EU regulators.
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a communication protocol designed to enhance and replace the traditional SMS (Short Message Service) messaging system that has been a standard feature on mobile phones for many years. RCS aims to provide a more feature-rich and interactive messaging experience.
It’s important to note that RCS is not a standalone messaging app but rather a protocol that needs to be supported by both the sender’s and recipient’s mobile devices and messaging apps. Some popular messaging apps, like Google Messages, have integrated RCS support to enhance the messaging experience for users.
