Apple’s highly anticipated iOS 18 update brings a welcome addition for iPhone users: support for Rich Communication Services (RCS). This enhanced version of SMS messaging will revolutionize how Apple users communicate with Android friends and family, offering features previously exclusive to Apple’s iMessage ecosystem.
With RCS, iPhone users can now enjoy the benefits of read receipts, allowing them to know when their messages have been seen. Sharing high-quality images and videos becomes a seamless experience, eliminating the need for clunky workarounds. Typing indicators will provide real-time feedback, while enhanced group messaging capabilities make group chats more organized and engaging.
Enabling RCS on iOS 18 is a simple process. Once the update is installed, navigate to the Settings app, scroll down to ‘Apps,’ then select ‘Messages.’ Under ‘Text messaging,’ you’ll find ‘RCS messaging.’ Simply toggle this option on, and you’re ready to experience the benefits of RCS. Of course, you can also disable RCS messaging at any time by toggling it off.
There are visual cues that indicate you’re using RCS. Upon opening a message thread with an Android user, you’ll see ‘RCS’ displayed at the top of the message box. Additionally, features like celebratory confetti, which are not available in older iOS versions, are a clear indication that RCS is in action.
The release of iOS 18, along with the anticipated iPhone 16 series, is expected in September, bringing this much-needed communication upgrade to the iPhone user experience. Finally, iPhone users can communicate with Android counterparts with the same level of features and convenience they’ve enjoyed among themselves.
