Apple to support RCS by 2024
In a surprising turn of events, Apple has announced that they will be supporting RCS. This comes shortly after Nothing announced Nothing Chats, which brings blue bubbles in iMessage to non-Apple devices, albeit in a very insecure way. In any case, RCS on Apple was definitely quite a shocker, considering how against the idea Tim Cook (or Tim Apple, if you please) was previously, famously responding with “buy your mom an iPhone” when asked about RCS on iPhone.
RCS on iPhone to finally be a reality
For those of us who don’t usually rely on the Messages app in our Android devices, Rich Communication Services (RCS) will remain largely a moot point. The main advantage is for those people who rely heavily on texting with the Messages or iMessage app, as they do in the US. RCS essentially enhances the texting experience with read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality images and videos and are also sent over the internet, versus the antiquated (and sometimes costly) SMS or MMS protocols.
Yes, most of us here use WhatsApp or Telegram for that. But in the US, this is going to be a big thing. Apple users can enjoy a better, more modern experience chatting with non-Apple users thanks to RCS. However for those hoping for the blue bubble-green bubble wars to end, it might not be happening anytime soon. Apple’s adoption of RCS is not going to replace iMessage, and instead will only serve as a modern alternative to SMS and MMS when possible.
Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association. We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users.
Apple spokesperson to 9to5Mac, regarding RCS support
With Apple supporting RCS next year, they can add yet another open standard to their belt. The recent iPhone 15 series added USB-C, and Qi2 wireless charging standard is largely based on the MagSafe standard Apple introduced with the iPhone 12 series. Is Apple’s walled garden slowly opening up?
