Apple Declares Support For RCS on iOS

It’s coming next year. Wait, is Apple really backing RCS for iOS? Did hell freeze over? Are pigs flying?

Apple Declares Support For RCS on iOS
Apple Declares Support For RCS on iOS

9to5Mac labeled Apple’s announcement of supporting Rich Communication Services (RCS) as a “surprising move,” stating that Apple will enhance interoperability between iPhone and Android devices.

What Made Apple Change its Mind?

Google and Samsung have been running campaigns urging the Cupertino-based tech giant to adopt RCS, an industry messaging standard embraced by over 500 Android devices and most carriers, except for Apple.

The inadequate interoperability between Android phones and iDevices subjected us to broken group chats, grainy videos, low-quality media, the absence of encryption, and various other drawbacks.

Using tech from another era describes texting between iPhones and Android phones, as Apple refuses to adopt modern texting standards. In 2023, texting shouldn’t resemble using a pager, as emphasized by Google in its #GetTheMessage campaign.

While Google and Samsung united to “RCS shame” the Cupertino-based tech giant, Apple remained silent until now. According to 9to5Mac, Apple yielded under “pressure from regulators.” Additionally, RCS is advancing and maturing, becoming more attractive than ever.

Apple stayed silent as Google and Samsung teamed up to “RCS shame” the Cupertino-based tech giant — until now. According to 9to5Mac, Apple yielded under “pressure from regulators.” Furthermore, RCS is progressing and maturing, making it more attractive than ever.

What Does This Imply for Messages With Green Bubbles?

When Apple officially backs RCS for iOS, cross-platform messaging will include high-quality images and videos, read receipts, typing indicators, and more. Additionally, Apple informed 9to5Mac that users will finally be able to share their location with others within text threads.

The question remains: with green bubbles seen as a “scarlet letter” for Android users in a pro-iPhone world, will Apple find a way to eliminate the “green vs. blue bubbles” divide? Apple hasn’t addressed this issue yet, but many tech pundits speculate that Apple will likely maintain the divide.

As an illustration, Marques Brownlee, a popular tech YouTuber with nearly 18 million subscribers, states that Apple’s adoption doesn’t necessarily signify the demise of green bubbles.

Brownlee pointed out that while they can still treat RCS messages differently from iMessage, adopting RCS does contribute to improved encryption and enhanced support for larger file sizes between Android and iPhones.

Apple informed 9to5Mac that RCS support for iOS is scheduled to roll out sometime in 2024.

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