Apple adopting RCS to iPhones in 2024

Apple's iOS18 has introduced one of the biggest software updates by Debuting Rich Communication Services messaging, or RCS. Apple's long-time dependence on Short Messaging Service (SMS) and iMessage will get reduced soon and iPhone will be more comfortable for user while receiving data from Google's Android.iPhone users will send messages to Android phone easier than ever by iOS18 latest updates.

What is Rich Communication Services (or RCS)?

RCS is a communication protocol standard between smartphones, developed by GSM Association (GSMA) and launched in 2008. RCS is a advanced messaging system which provides major high-quality functions to user as:

A. High resolution photo and video sharing,

B. Files sharing,
 
C. Typing indicator, read receipt over mobile data or Wi-Fi and

D. Group chat with improve chat features

The main reason behind the development of RCS is to replace SMS and MMS. Google introduced RCS in Google messages on Android and available globally in November 2020. At WWDC24 in June 2024, Apple confirmed the RCS messaging support in messaging app in iOS 18 update.

Apple adopting RCS and How RCS change iPhone-Android communication?

At present, there are following texting methods are available for iPhone and how apple switching to RCS:

SMS/MMS will help texting, picture , audio, video and other media files to and from iPhone to Android users. It uses green bubble in iPhone. SMS and MMS are oldest conversation methods for iPhone and still in use.

iMessage is instant messaging service of Apple's own developed and proprietary texting method and launched in 2011. iMessage communicated among all the Apple devices like iPhone Max iPad and other Apple devices. iMessage uses blue bubbles while sending text messages, images, video documents etc.

RCS vs iMessage

There are a lot of differences between RCS and iMessage in protocol, features, platform etc. let's analyze the differences between RCS and iMessage as follows

1.Standardized protocol: RCS is a communication protocol development GSMA, and its mean aims to replace SMS and MMS with richer, more multimedia friendly user experience. IMessage is Apple's developed and proprietary messaging platform whose focus in texting as well as all other multimedia file sharing in Apple devices only.

2. Features: RCS supports high resolution photo sharing, read receipt, typing indicator group chats and many more. iMessages offer features like end-to-end encryption, read receipt,typing indicator, stickers and various material messaging effects but RCS encryption depends on the implementation by careers.

3. Platform adoption: RCS is designed to work across different devices and careers but its adoption has been on even globally due to device manufacturer support. iMessage works exclusively within the Apple ecosystem including iPhone, iPad and Mac computer.

4. Integration: RCS integrated with the default messaging apps on Android phones (Google messages) and provided careers support for it. iMessage is tightly integrated with the message apps on Apple devices only and seamlessly transition between SMS or MMS and iMessage depends on the recipient device.

5. Adoption: RCS adoption varies by region and career but using billions of the mobile phone users in worldwide while iMessage is widely used among Apple users.

How RCS makes iOS18 better in communicating iPhone and Android

After adoption of RCS support in iOS18, Apple users' communication with Android became easy which was not think of it. iPhone users will be able to send many high-quality audios video messages and many more. At present we don't know everything about RCS on iPhone, but it is the most anticipated feature of iOS18 which will certainly have to improve how you text your Android friends and will enable your friends on iPhone also.

iOS 18 beta 2 update includes the debut of which communication service messaging or RCS certainly help in conversation between iPhone and Android user while receiving incoming text from Android devices as:

A. High quality photos and videos will be received from Android users.

B. Read receipt and deliver received will be available for text sent to Android devices.

C. Typing indicators will have to know when your Android friend a drafting a response to you.

When RCS text is coming to iPhone

At present, RCS text is available only in iOS 80 beta 2.its mean that regular users won't be experience the RCS text in your iPhone anytime soon. Probably this facility will come with iOS 18 role out in late 2024.

Apple decision to adopt RCS text into its ecosystem may be possibly EU regulation tipped Apple hand several year ago forced the tech giant to adopt such change along with the universal standard USB C.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Will iOS 18 support RCS?

Yes. Apple has shown indication to adoption RCS in to Apple's devices.

What is RCS messaging?

RCS is a communication protocol standard between smartphones, developed by GSM Association (GSMA) and launched in 2008.

What is the difference between RCS and SMS?

SMS stand for Short Messaging Service through which messages are sent over the cellular network,while RCS content requires internet data connectivity, so that it can send richer content.

Is RCS better than iMessage?

iMessage is operating exclusively within the Apple ecosystem, RCS is designed to be cross platform.It certinly means that Android users have conversation seamlessly with users on different smart phones, and Now including iPhones.