Apple brings RCS to iPhone with iOS 18

Apple has announced that its Messages app will support Rich Communication Services (RCS) in iOS 18, marking a significant shift from the traditional SMS protocol.

This change will enhance communication between iOS and Android devices, offering features like typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media sharing, which are similar to iMessage capabilities.

Currently, messaging between iOS and Android defaults to SMS, resulting in lower-quality photos and videos, shorter messages, and a lack of end-to-end encryption. With RCS, these limitations will be addressed, providing a more seamless and secure messaging experience.

Apple's decision comes after years of pressure from companies like Google and Samsung, as well as regulatory scrutiny from the EU. Despite the scant details, a preview of RCS in action can be seen on Apple's website, indicating its integration into the upcoming iOS release.