Apple has now confirmed that it will finally be implementing RCS support for iPhones, starting next year.
What is RCS?
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. It is a way of sending messages that have more features than regular text messages. For example, with RCS you can send stickers, emojis, pictures, videos, voice messages, and more.
You can also see when someone is typing or when they have read your message. RCS is like using a chat app, but without needing to download any extra software. You just use your phone number and the default messaging app on your phone.
RCS is not available on all phones or carriers yet, but it is becoming more popular and widespread by the day
Apple Embraces RCS
In a new statement, an Apple spokesperson said that the company believes RCS will offer better interoperability for cross-platform messages.
Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association. We believe 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.
via 9to5Mac
This comes years after most android devices started supporting RCS, while Apple kept focusing on developing iMessage. Classic Apple move.
9to5Mac further confirmed that RCS messages will still be in green bubbles, like the current SMS/MMS messages.
Google’s Response
Google SVP of Platforms and Ecosystems Hiroshi Lockheimer shared his thoughts on Apple joining the RCS club on X/Twitter:
Google also released a statement in response to the announcement and extended its support for the integration of RCS into iOS. You can read the full statement below:
“Everyone deserves to communicate with each other in ways that are modern and secure, no matter what phone they have. That’s why we have worked closely with the mobile industry to accelerate the adoption of RCS, and we’re happy to see Apple take their first step today by coming on board to embrace RCS. We welcome Apple’s participation in our ongoing work with GSMA to evolve RCS and make messaging more equitable and secure, and look forward to working with them to implement this on iOS in a way that works well for everyone.”
Google
Source: 9to5Mac
