Apple Finally Adds Support for RCS Standard in iOS18

TapTechNews June 16 news, Apple has finally added support for the RCS standard in iOS18, marking the end of the years-long battle for interoperability between iMessage and Android text messaging features. TheVerge wrote that this long-awaited feature was not grandly launched by Apple, and it even felt a bit perfunctory.

TapTechNews translation of the main points of the article is as follows:

At the launch event, Apple casually announced support for the standard and did not show how RCS will improve the user experience, such as the ability to send high-definition pictures and videos between iPhones and Android users. They didn't even mention that RCS will support cross-platform read receipts and typing indication functions. Instead, Apple focused the launch event on the cool new iMessage features, such as text bold italics, improved Tapback function, and timed message sending.

Admittedly, the new iMessage features are exciting, but these features are only available between iMessage users. In addition, it is still a mystery how the emoji generated by Apple's new AI emoji generation tool Genmoji will appear when sent to Android users.

Not only was the launch event casual, Apple's iOS18 introduction page on its official website also hid the information about RCS tightly. The introduction didn't even mention Android users, only vaguely stating: 'RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages bring richer media content, message delivery confirmation, and read receipts for users who don't use iMessage.' The picture on the page shows the RCS chat interface on the iPhone, and the green bubble clearly indicates that the other party is not an iPhone user.

As early as last year, Apple first confirmed that it will add support for RCS. At that time, Apple spokesperson Jacqueline Roy said in a statement: 'This will run in parallel with iMessage, and iMessage will still be the best and safest text messaging experience for Apple users.' However, Apple's move is not out of generosity, but mainly due to the pressure from global regulatory agencies and competitors, which may also explain why Apple seemed reluctant when announcing the addition of RCS in iOS18.

For years, Apple has been the only resistor of the RCS standard. Major carriers have already shifted to RCS one after another, but Apple has adhered to its own opinion. Regulatory pressure and negative public opinion finally forced Apple to make concessions.