Apple Adds RCS to iPhones: Here’s Why It Matters

With the upcoming iOS 18, Apple is set to deliver one of the most transformative updates in the history of its mobile operating system. From cutting-edge AI features and a refreshed user interface to expansive customization options, this new version aims to overhaul the iOS experience for years to come.

However, the most exciting addition in iOS 18 isn’t a homegrown innovation from Cupertino but rather a technology pioneered by Google: Rich Communications Service (RCS).

The Evolution of Messaging: Enter RCS

RCS, or Rich Communications Service, is a modern messaging standard developed by Google to supersede the aging SMS technology from the 1990s. Unlike SMS, which is limited in capabilities, RCS supports high-quality media sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and more, providing an experience similar to messaging apps like Telegram or iMessage.

Although RCS took some time to become widely available, it eventually rolled out across Android devices using the Google Messages app, thanks to extensive carrier support. Despite this, Apple has held back from adopting RCS, opting to promote its proprietary iMessage for enhanced messaging between iPhone users while maintaining the basic SMS for communications with Android devices. This disparity has long…