Apple held out for a long time on switching from text messaging to RCS (rich communication services), but finally announced that it would be doing so as part of iOS 18.The move brings many iMessage-like features to text messages between iPhone and Android users.Mobile carriers also need to support the switch, and UK telco Three has just texted customers to announce that it will be doing so from next month … Apple’s belated support for RCS Apple’s Messages app supports the iMessage platform for messaging between iPhone users, but fell back to plain old text messages (also known as SMS) when communicating with Android users.
This was problematic because text messages are not end-to-end encrypted, and don’t offer any of the features expected from a modern communications protocol.While regulators and others in the industry have long called for Apple to offer RCS support, the company had held out for many years, likely because it viewed iMessage as a key selling point for iPhones, and RCS would reduce its advantage.However, Apple finally announced last year that it would adopt RCS, with support added in iOS 18.
Three supporting RCS for iPhone users In addition to Apple, carriers also need to flick the switch to support RCS on iPhone, and UK carrier Three has just confirmed that it is doing so.A support document notes the benefits this will bring for messaging with Android users.Multimedia sharing: effortlessly share images, videos, and audio messages Group chats: have conversations with multiple people at the same time Read receipts: know when your messages have been read Typing indicators: see when someone is responding Enhanced security: get better message security with encryption No character limits: send longer messages without restrictions You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day.
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