SAN JOSE: With the update to iOS 18, iPhone users are now finally able to use a souped-up SMS service called RCS. It stands for "Rich Communication Services" and provides more functionality when sending SMS messages to Android users.
Messages with images and text added to them can now be sent to people who don't have an iPhone using the iPhone's Messages app.
That means that, in theory, you no longer have to resort to messengers like WhatsApp if you’re an iPhone user communicating with an Android user.
RCS also supports delivery and read receipts, and a typing indicator. The messages are displayed in green speech bubbles, just like SMS messages.
Many Android users are already familiar with RCS. Depending on the device and network provider, it’s available either through its own app or integrated into the messaging app.
Regardless of whether it’s iOS or Android, RCS also allows you to receive subscription services such as messages or other topics.
To use RCS it needs to be available under your mobile phone plan as it's a carrier-provided service. You can find out in your device’s settings or by checking your plan whether it is supported.
In terms of cost, an RCS message costs the same as an SMS message, which are generally included as part of the overall package for many tariffs. Photos and videos are usually also billed under the monthly inclusive data volume if you’re not in a wi-fi network.
If you want to know much exactly it costs, ask your own service provider to be on the safe side because of the many possible tariff combinations, network providers, and brands.
To activate RCS on your iPhone, go into Settings, then Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and move the slider to the left. RCS can be switched off in the same way.
RCS messages from iPhones are currently not end-to-end encrypted, which means that the messages are not protected from being read by third parties during transmission.
If you want to keep things private, it might be better to continue sending them using apps with solid encryption in apps like Signal, Threema or WhatsApp. – dpa
