Apple has made an unexpected decision by revealing today that it intends to embrace the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard. This new feature will be introduced through a software update scheduled for release “later next year,” enabling iPhone and Android users to enjoy a plethora of iMessage-like functionalities in their messaging experience.
Apple’s recent announcement is a direct response to the mounting pressure from regulatory bodies and fierce competition from industry giants such as Google and Samsung. Additionally, this decision aligns with the fact that RCS has evolved into a more sophisticated and advanced platform compared to its earlier stages of development.
RCS introduces cross-platform text messaging with iMessage-like capabilities
RCS enhances cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android devices by incorporating various iMessage-style features. These features encompass read receipts, typing indicators, superior quality images and videos, and much more.
According to Apple, their RCS implementation will allow users to share their location with others within text threads. This feature is not available in regular SMS and RCS can function over both mobile data and Wi-Fi.
However, iMessage is here to stay. It will remain the primary messaging platform for iPhone users, while RCS will replace SMS and MMS, coexisting independently from iMessage. Apple assures that SMS and MMS will still be accessible as a backup option when necessary.
However, iMessage is here to stay. It will remain the primary messaging platform for iPhone users, while RCS will replace SMS and MMS, coexisting independently from iMessage. Apple assures that SMS and MMS will still be accessible as a backup option when necessary.
This move by Apple signifies their adoption of RCS as a separate initiative, rather than opening up iMessage to other platforms.
Apple places great emphasis on the exceptional security and privacy attributes of iMessage in comparison to RCS. iMessage guarantees end-to-end encryption, and Apple has gone the extra mile by bolstering its security through Advanced Data Protection for Messages in iCloud. Conversely, Apple underscores that RCS falls short in terms of robust encryption capabilities when compared to iMessage.
Apple’s choice to embrace RCS comes after facing persistent pressure from rivals like Samsung and Google. Despite this, the company had previously stood firm and focused on enhancing iMessage. Nevertheless, Apple has recently introduced certain enhancements to the SMS interaction between iPhone and Android devices.
