Apple caves in, iPhones to join RCS support in late 2024،
It doesn’t happen much, but Apple has finally relented and will support Rich Communication Services (RCS) starting in late 2024. The update comes from Apple itself after Google, Samsung and other regulators forced the Cupertino-based giant to implement RCS via a software update that will allow Android users the same features as Apple’s iMessage.
Google has been pressuring Apple to implement RCS since 2022 and Samsung joined the wagon earlier this year. This all aims to add support for RCS which will open up a host of features to Android users and allow users to have a better interoperability experience compared to MMS or SMS.
Currently, iPhone to iPhone communication is done via iMessage with all features enabled. However, when it comes to Android to iPhone users, whether it is a user or group chat, the chat automatically switches from iMessage on iOS to SMS or MMS. This removes users from iMessage features like low-quality shared photos and videos and instead switches to an SMS service.
RCS on iMessage supports a range of features, including end-to-end encryption, typing indicators, read receipts, support for longer messages, working over WiFi and mobile data, so name just a few. When Android users communicate with iPhone users, Apple clearly displays them in green text bubbles while iPhone users are marked in blue text bubbles.
Note that iMessage does not work. Apple sees it as a major selling point for iPhones with its multitude of features and beyond. However, RCS will be implemented as a separate platform allowing Android and iPhone users to enjoy the same suite of features without any bias. Additionally, SMS and MMS will be available when needed.
Nonetheless, RCS support on iPhones is expected to roll out as a software update by the end of next year. From now on, Nothing users can enjoy RCS with blue text bubbles using the newly launched Nothing Chats. Other equipment manufacturers will soon join the wagon.
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