Google has been pushing Apple to adopt RCS for years, and the Cupertino giant has resisted the idea. Apple appears to have changed its mind and stated that the support for Rich Communication Services or RCS standard will arrive next year on all iPhone models. We suspect the company will implement changes in iOS 18 for compatible models. RCS will boast many benefits in the messaging scheme, particularly with Android.
Apple finally adopted the RCS messaging standard after years of persuasion, which will bring cross-platform features and better security
Apple confirmed RCS adoption to TechRadar and 9to5mac, stating that RCS will "work alongside iMessage." This means the company will not develop a new platform but incorporate technology into its existing messaging app. The company does not plan to replace iMessage, as it will remain the default for iPhone-to-iPhone communication. However, RCS will replace the aged SMS system on the iPhone.
Google has been actively pursuing Apple to adopt RCS. While RCS will replace SMS, the latter will exist in the backup in case of a falling back. Google has adopted RCS for its devices for a while, and all major smartphone manufacturers and carriers have also accepted it as the new standard. However, Apple remained reluctant to adopt the standard. Apple's decisions were potentially changed thanks to Google's long-running ad campaigns, including website, social media, and even billboards.
Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association. We believe the RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.
As mentioned earlier, RCS holds a few benefits over SMS and MMS. With the new standard, you can send higher-resolution images, videos, audio recordings, and bigger file sizes. Additionally, the level of security and encryption between the iPhone and Android will also improve. Furthermore, you will finally see emoji reactions, typing indicators, read receipts, and more between the iPhone and Android. Apple claims that RCS improves encryption for cross-device security, but it will not be as secure as iMessage.
RCS will also allow users to send their location, which will work using Wi-Fi and Cellular. With the new standard enabled, iMessage will no longer boast exclusive features, and the EU will potentially not have to make legislation to make the messaging platform available on other devices. Nothing recently launched its new Chat app that allows Nothing Phone 2 users to use iMessage on Android. Apple will work with Google going forward to improve the RCS system for enhanced functionality on both iOS and Android. RCS will be available to all iPhone users via a software update next year.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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