FINALLY: Apple announces RCS support coming to iPhones via iOS 18 this fall

Image credit: Apple

Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 18, will finally bring Rich Communication Services (RCS) support to its Messages app this fall, as mentioned in passing today during Apple’s WWDC 2024 conference. This move, long-awaited by consumers and industry experts alike, promises to enhance cross-platform messaging between iOS and Android devices.For years, communication between iOS and Android users has been hampered by the outdated SMS protocol. The difference in messaging protocols has led to issues such as reduced image and video quality, message length limitations, and a lack of end-to-end encryption in cross-platform conversations. The visual distinction between blue iMessage bubbles and green SMS bubbles further emphasized this disparity.RCS, developed as a modern replacement for SMS, has already become the standard for Android devices. This protocol boasts features like typing indicators, read receipts, support for longer messages, and high-quality media sharing. It essentially mirrors the iMessage experience but is designed to work across different platforms.