Apple’s Game-Changing Move: Bringing RCS to iPhones in 2024 for Enhanced Cross-Platform Messaging

iMessage provides a seamless experience but complications arise when messaging an Android user. As initially reported by 9to5Mac, this situation is expected to improve next year when Apple introduces RCS support for iPhones.

You’ve likely encountered discussions about the Blue vs. Green bubble debate. Unfortunately, being a “green bubble” can carry a certain stigma, with accusations of Android users being excluded from group chats. This is because if your recipient is not using an iPhone, iOS resorts to SMS and MMS, outdated methods of texting.

These traditional methods lack support for numerous modern features, resulting in compressed photos and videos that may appear subpar, along with limitations in group chats. Additionally, there are security concerns since SMS lacks encryption.

RCS, while not entirely new, promises to address many of these issues. With RCS, communication can occur over Wi-Fi, enabling the transmission of higher-quality media, audio messages, and larger files. While correctly implemented, it may offer some level of encryption—more than SMS but likely less than the current iMessage encryption.

Google has long urged Apple to adopt RCS to enhance cross-platform texting. Despite Google’s efforts to improve communication between Android and iPhone users, significant advancements were hindered without Apple’s cooperation. Notably, Nothing has gone to great lengths to “bring iMessage to Android,” and the EU has designated iMessage as a “gatekeeper app” requiring interoperability with other systems.

Despite Apple contesting this designation, a surprising announcement was made recently. Apple intends to introduce RCS support for iPhones in late 2024.

When communicating between Apple devices, iMessage remains the default. However, when messaging an Android device, the iPhone will “fall back” to RCS, akin to the current fallback to SMS and MMS.

Although Apple has not immediately responded to requests for comment, an Apple spokesperson stated to 9to5Mac: “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.”

The exact timeline for RCS implementation on iPhones and the rollout duration remain unclear. Several questions persist regarding the specifics of this implementation. Despite Tim Cook’s previous stance on allocating minimal energy to RCS, Apple’s recent move suggests a notable shift in perspective.

In response, Google expressed that everyone deserves modern and secure communication, regardless of their phone. They welcomed Apple’s involvement in advancing RCS with the GSMA and looked forward to collaborating on an iOS implementation that benefits everyone.