Apple is reportedly working to improve the texting experience between iPhone and Android devices by adopting the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol in 2024. The new RCS standard will work alongside iMessage and offer several messaging features, including read receipts, typing indicators, the ability to share high-quality images and videos, and more. RCS can operate over mobile data or Wi-Fi. Currently, Android phones and carriers support the RCS messaging standard. The feature is said to reach iPhone models next year via a software update.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson said in a statement that the iPhone will get RCS (Rich Communication Services) support starting next year. The report quotes the statement: “Later next year we will add support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard currently published by the GSM Association. We believe RCS Universal Profile will provide a better interoperability experience compared to SMS or MMS. This will work together with iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.”
The RCS feature will launch on iPhone models next year via a software update and will add a wide range of iMessage-like features to messaging between iPhone and Android users, including read receipts and typing indicators. Additionally, the new protocol allows users to share and receive high-resolution photos and videos between iPhone and Android handsets. The adoption of RCS on iPhone models also allows people to share their location in text conversations and quickly exploit group chats. Unlike regular SMS, RCS can also work via mobile and Wi-Fi. RCS messages, like text messages, can be displayed in green.
Apple had been pushing back the RCS standard, backed by the GSM Association, for more than a year, despite repeated requests from Google and Samsung. The messaging standard has already been adopted by Android phones and carriers across the country. The implementation of RCS on iPhone will pave the way for a balanced communication experience between Android and iPhone models. However, iMessage remains exclusive to Apple devices.
In response to Apple’s new announcement, Google Senior Vice President of Platforms and Ecosystems Hiroshi Lockheimer posted: on X (formerly Twitter) – “Everyone should have secure and modern messaging systems, without having to worry about what kind of phone they’re texting to. I’m so happy to see Apple joining our ongoing work with the GSMA on the area of RCS to make texting better for everyone!”.
The announcement also comes just days after Carl Pei leader Nothing announced that his Android phones would support iMessage via a new feature.