With iOS 18, Apple is finally bringing RCS (Rich Communication Services) to the iPhone, and it seems that some users in the US have already enabled the feature.
Late last year, Apple decided to adopt RCS, responding to pressure from Google to improve the messaging experience between iOS and Android users. Without RCS support, texting between these platforms was cumbersome because it relied on SMS. This resulted in blurry photos and videos, short messages, and a lack of end-to-end encryption
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All of that will soon be a thing of the past. At its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced that it will be bringing support for RCS to the iPhone. This will improve messaging with Android users, introducing features like higher-quality media sharing, read receipts, and typing hints — features that were previously unavailable in Android-to-iPhone conversations.
Some users on X (formerly Twitter) are reporting that RCS has been enabled on their iPhones. The feature is only available to those who have downloaded iOS 18 beta 2 and are subscribers to AT&T, T-Mobile , or Verizon. To enable RCS on your phone, go to Settings, select Apps, and then tap Messages.
See more: Google: RCS protocol coming to iPhones this fall
Apple relies on carriers to integrate RCS on the iPhone, and the latest beta version of iOS 18 includes updated cellular plans for only the three largest US carriers.
Users belonging to other carriers and MVNOs will probably have to wait a little longer for a smoother cross-platform messaging experience .
RCS messages will display green bubbles, but will be labeled as “Text Message – RCS.” While RCS offers many of the same features as iMessage, both iMessage and Google Messages will continue to have some exclusive features.
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This is one of Apple 's more cautious moves . While the company has caved to pressure to adopt RCS, it's maintaining the divide between Android and iPhone users with its different colored clouds.
Source: phonearena
