During the WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple revealed that it will be adding RCS support to its Messages app in iOS 18, after months of speculation and pressure from competitors. The announcement came towards the end of the iOS 18 segment and was treated as an afterthought, with a brief mention by Craig Federighi. However, this move is expected to level the playing field between iMessage and other messaging platforms, as Apple faces regulatory pressure and criticism for the lack of RCS support. While Apple's focus was on the AI features of iOS 18, such as the genAI feature for iMessage, the addition of RCS brings much-needed functionality to the popular messaging app.
Apple to Add RCS Support to Messages in iOS 18: A Game-Changer for Cross-Platform Messaging
At the highly anticipated WWDC 2024 keynote, Apple made a surprising revelation that it would be integrating RCS (Rich Communication Services) support into its Messages app in iOS 18. This move follows months of speculation and pressure from competitors, and is expected to reshape the landscape of cross-platform messaging.
Background: RCS - The Standard for Modern Messaging
RCS is a next-generation messaging protocol that offers a wide range of features beyond traditional SMS, including:
RCS is already supported by major Android phone manufacturers, including Google, Samsung, and Huawei. However, Apple has long been the holdout, leaving iMessage users unable to easily communicate with non-Apple users.
Apple's Reluctance and Regulatory Pressure
Apple's resistance to RCS has been attributed to several factors, including:
However, Apple has faced increasing pressure from regulators and competitors to adopt RCS. The European Union is considering legislation that would mandate RCS support for all major messaging apps, while Google has repeatedly urged Apple to adopt the standard.
RCS in iOS 18: A Milestone in Cross-Platform Communication
With the addition of RCS to Messages in iOS 18, Apple finally cedes to the growing demand for cross-platform interoperability. This move is expected to:
Top 5 FAQs on Apple's RCS Support
Apple has not announced a specific release date for iOS 18, but it is expected to be available in the fall of 2024.
RCS is expected to be supported on all Apple devices running iOS 18 and later.
Yes, iMessage users will still be able to send and receive messages from non-RCS users. However, non-RCS messages will be sent as SMS/MMS, which may incur additional charges depending on the user's cellular plan.
No, RCS will not replace iMessage. iMessage will remain Apple's default messaging app, and users will have the option to use RCS when communicating with non-Apple users.
The adoption of RCS by Apple is a significant step towards a more unified and interoperable messaging landscape. It is expected to further accelerate the decline of SMS/MMS and pave the way for a future where all users can seamlessly communicate regardless of their device or platform.
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