The RCS protocol is coming to the iPhone with the latest iOS update. — Apple
Apple's iOS 18 is bringing the RCS protocol to the Messages application, paving the way for iPhone users to enjoy a much more comprehensive messaging service than simply sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to benefit from the service until all network operators support this technology.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is an enhanced messaging protocol designed to replace traditional SMS and MMS messaging. Today, it offers capabilities similar to those found on applications such as WhatsApp, but directly in the phone's native messaging application.
In particular, RCS lets you receive acknowledgement of receipt of messages, create discussion groups, share high-resolution photos and videos, type texts with no character limit, make voice or video calls, and more.
Previously available only on Android, RCS is coming to the Apple ecosystem with iOS 18. So, in theory, all owners of an iPhone XR or later will be able to benefit from these new features. To activate it, simply go to the Messages settings and select the “RCS Service” option. However, the service will only work if your mobile network operator supports the protocol.
Android users have already been able to use RCS for several years. Since 2023, Google Messages has even enabled RCS messages by default (which you can deactivate in the application's settings). The arrival of the protocol on iOS means that iPhone and Android users can now exchange messages with improved interoperability, as if they had a common messaging system at last.
It should be noted, however, that when sending messages between an iPhone and an Android smartphone, the blue bubbles of Apple's messages will coexist with Google's green ones. – AFP Relaxnews
