Messaging between iPhones and Androids has not been great for a while. Problems like weird translations of reactions and bad image quality made people avoid texting between these phones. But now, there’s good news. Apple plans to integrate RCSÂ messaging into iMessage in 2024, making things better.
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a new way of texting that’s way better than the old SMS (Short Message Service). SMS messages, unlike iMessage, don’t use Wi-Fi or data; they go through the cellular network, like calls. Also, SMS messages can only be 160 characters long. So, if an iPhone user sent a long message to an Android user, it would come in multiple texts, each 160 characters long.
SMS can’t send or receive photos or videos, but there’s MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) for that. MMS is like SMS but with a bigger size limit, allowing images and videos. Still, the limit isn’t very high, leading to heavy compression when sending images between Android and iPhone.
Now, RCS is the superhero version of SMS. It’s like using WhatsApp but for texting. RCS messages can be sent using Wi-Fi or cellular data and have a lot more cool features. Unlike SMS, RCS doesn’t have a character limit, and it can send HD photos and videos.
RCS also brings cool extras like read receipts, location sharing, and group chat that works for both iPhone and Android users. The best part is that RCS is an open standard, so any phone maker can use it without paying. RCS aims to make texting awesome for everyone.
You might have noticed blue and green bubbles while texting. Blue bubbles mean iMessage (for iPhone users), and green bubbles mean regular SMS (often to non-iPhone users). This has caused some ‘iPhone envy.’ iPhone users get cool features, while Android users feel left out.
Surprisingly, Apple didn’t jump on RCS earlier. In 2022, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, hinted that iPhone users weren’t asking for it. He suggested the solution to problems with Android-using family members was just buying them an iPhone.
But things changed. Apple might have been worried about potential EU regulations. If iMessage became a core service under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple would have to make it work on Android. While Apple didn’t confirm this, the RCS announcement came after talks about the DMA and pressure on Apple to embrace RCS.
RCS is coming to iPhones in 2024, according to Apple’s announcement in November 2023. This update brings features already enjoyed by most Android phones. iPhone users can expect read receipts, typing indicators, better-quality photos and videos, and the ability to react to messages. The exact date isn’t known yet, but it’s something to look forward to.
