RCS Messaging on iPhone: Smoother Texting Experience

Announced at the WWDC 2024 event, iOS 18 is set to launch this fall with major additions and improvements like Apple Intelligence, new customization tools, and more. One of the most significant changes is the enhancements to the Messages app.

What is RCS?

In iOS 18, the iPhone’s Messages app will integrate the RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard, making messaging between iPhone and Android devices smoother than ever. RCS is a communication protocol standard between mobile network operators. The RCS messaging standard promises to significantly improve the messaging experience between iOS and Android users.

With RCS, users can send high-quality photos and videos, see read receipts, know when someone is typing, and react with emojis. Essentially, RCS brings modern messaging standards and functions similar to third-party messaging apps.

RCS on iOS 18

In iOS 17 and earlier versions of the Messages app, texting between iPhone and Android devices could be unreliable and insecure. This was because iPhone messaging relied on SMS/MMS, both of which are outdated messaging standards that don't work well with iMessage.

However, with RCS support in iOS 18, iPhone users' messages to Android users will no longer face security issues. RCS messages on iPhone will still use the green bubble instead of the blue one, but security has been enhanced. With RCS, users will be able to send large messages while maintaining quality. Additionally, Apple will apply iMessage features to RCS messages, such as read receipts, emoji reactions, typing indicators, and sending stickers.

While RCS has been added, the SMS and MMS standards won’t disappear. These older messaging standards will be downgraded to a third-tier priority when sending messages. It’s also important to note that RCS relies on mobile data for sending messages, not traditional text messaging plans. So, if users cannot access data but have a basic mobile connection, iPhone will switch to sending messages via the SMS standard.

RCS is currently only supported in the iOS 18 beta version for select carriers in the United States. To fully utilize the stable RCS features, users will need to wait until September for the official version. Apple’s support for RCS is seen as a significant improvement, enhancing the messaging experience and security between iPhone and Android users.