Finally, we’ve got it: Apple will start supporting RCS messaging standard in 2024
Apple has announced the adoption of the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard. This feature will be launched via a software update “later next year” and will simplify messaging between iPhone and Android users.
Apple’s decision came under pressure from competitors such as Google and Samsung, as well as regulators. In a statement to 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson said that RCS will offer better compatibility for cross-platform messaging.
“Later next year we will add support for RCS Universal Profile, a standard published by the GSM Association. We believe that the RCS Universal Profile will offer a better experience than SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.”
RCS offers many iMessage-style features for cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android devices. This includes things like read notifications, input indicators, high-quality images and videos, and more.
According to Apple, the introduction of RCS will also give users the ability to share their location with other people in text messages. Unlike regular SMS, RCS can work via mobile networks or Wi-Fi.
At the same time, iMessage will not disappear. It will continue to be the messaging platform used for communication between iPhone users. RCS will replace SMS and MMS and will exist separately from iMessage. SMS and MMS will remain available if necessary.
So it doesn’t open up iMessage to other platforms. Instead, the company uses RCS separately from iMessage.
