Apple previewed assist for RCS messaging within the iOS 18 Messages app at WWDC24. Including Wealthy Communication Companies will deliver enhanced texting between iPhone and Android customers, with options not attainable earlier than.
It’s a change Apple dragged its ft on for a few years.
iMessage and iPhone with RCS, in the end
iPhone and Android customers can already change easy SMS and MMS messages. However as a result of Apple’s iMessage system doesn’t assist Wealthy Communication Companies, what might be included in texts despatched between the platforms is proscribed.That modifications when iOS launches, in the end.
Apple guarantees that “RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages bring richer media and delivery and read receipts for those who don’t use iMessage.” The corporate additionally guarantees, “more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS.”
At WWDC24, Apple confirmed that in a future model of the Messages app, texts exchanged between an iPhone and Android will embody learn receipts and high-resolution photographs. A voice message may also be despatched.
That mentioned, Android customers can anticipate to remain within the conventional inexperienced bubble, whereas iPhone customers will likely be have a gray bubble. Blue bubbles are reserved for iPhone-to-iPhone conversations that use the Apple’s iMessage system.
Why the change?
Monday’s demo of RCS assist for iPhone didn’t come as a shock. Final November, Apple dedicated to including RCS to iMessage.
However it’s considerably shocking that the Mac-maker is embracing Wealthy Communication Companies ant all after so a few years of avoiding it. It’s attainable the change is the results of behind-the-scenes strain from the U.S. Division of Justice because it ready the blockbuster antitrust lawsuit towards Apple filed in mid March.
Please stand by
iPhone customers can’t change RCS messages with their Android mates immediately. In reality, it’ll be months. Though the characteristic was unveiled at WWDC24, it would attain iPhone when iOS 18 launches this autumn — most likely in September.
And RCS is barely the beginning. There are many different modifications coming to the Messages software in iOS 18. Most notably, it might probably generate enjoyable, related photographs, in addition to model new emoji.
Anybody feeling impatient can join the Apple Beta Software program Program. It’s free, but in addition ensures buggy gadgets.