Insights
RCS in iOS 18: Apple finally bridges the messaging app
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Apple made a huge move in September 2024 by rolling out Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging in iOS 18. After months of anticipation, iPhone users can finally enjoy enhanced messaging with Android users over RCS messaging, bringing a more seamless experience to everyone.
Apple first teased this big upgrade back in late 2023, but they kept most of the details quiet until WWDC in June 2024, when Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior VP of Software Engineering, confirmed that RCS would be coming to the Messages app with iOS 18.
Earlier in the summer, some lucky beta testers got an early taste of RCS in iOS 18 in beta programs through carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Now, with RCS officially launched in iOS 18, let’s explore why this upgrade is so compelling for the future of communication.
Cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users has always been a bit of a headache because messages were sent over SMS and MMS, meaning low-quality photos and videos, limited message length, and no interactive features. But with RCS now live in iOS 18, that all changes. Messaging between iPhone and Android users will see a huge improvement, offering a more consistent experience across devices.
“The first version of iOS 18 being released now supports the consumer version of RCS, which will allow Android and iPhone users to send high-resolution images, videos, etc. without quality degradation.”
-Robert Gerstmann, Chief Evangelist and Co-Founder at Sinch
With iOS 18, we’re seeing some exciting RCS features work between Androids and iPhones, including:
Want to try RCS on iOS 18 for yourself? First, you need to make sure that your carrier supports RCS and that your iPhone is running iOS 18 — your iPhone may already have RCS turned on.
If not, on your iPhone, open “Settings,” scroll down and tap Apps, and find and tap “Messages.” Under “Text Messaging,” you’ll see an RCS Messaging option if it’s supported by your carrier and your operating system. Just toggle it on, and you’ll be all set to test out enhanced messaging in iMessage.
RCS support in iOS 18 is a real win for both Android and iPhone users. But the real game-changer will come when RCS Business Messaging (RBM) for application-to-person (A2P) messaging also becomes available on Apple devices.
Apple’s support for RCS for P2P messaging (and the Universal Profile) is the first step towards that reality, with Sinch and other providers successfully testing RBM in beta in some markets.
This indicates that eventually business messaging (A2P) features will be supported by Apple. While we don’t have a confirmed timeline for when A2P RCS will be enabled, more information is expected to be released later this year.
When Apple adopts RCS for business messaging, it could mean a range of powerful features for businesses, like:
Apple’s support of RCS in iOS 18 is just the beginning of better, more engaging messaging for all. We’ve already seen exponential growth in RCS business usage, and as the messaging standard becomes more widely available, we can only expect this to accelerate.
“RCS offers rich, interactive messaging experiences, and will allow businesses to engage with their customers in dynamic new ways. At Sinch, we’re ready for this transformation. With the best super network, built over 15 years, and strong partnerships with Google and mobile operators globally, we can’t wait to see how this new era of messaging will unfold.
For previous versions of iOS, we have seen over 50% of all iPhones having the newest iOS version by winter, with that number increasing to 80% by the subsequent summer. If the adoption speed of iOS 18 matches that of previous iOS versions, this would translate to over one billion additional RCS users by summer 2025 thanks to Apple coming onboard.”
– Robert Gerstmann, Chief Evangelist and Co-Founder at Sinch
At Sinch, our expertise lies in our global super network, our strong, direct relationships with mobile operators, and our in-house experts focused on helping brands build their RCS branded messages strategies. Our strong partnership with Google and experience implementing RCS for the likes of Picard and EasyPark means we’re in an ideal position to continue helping brands create engaging experiences for their customers.
We’re not just ready for RCS to be available on all devices – we’re actively driving that change. Our platform is fully equipped to handle the demands of RCS, providing businesses with the tools and support needed to take advantage of it.
Ready to jump on the RCS bandwagon? Get in touch with our team or download our comprehensive RCS guide that will walk you through how to make the case to bring RCS into your organization.
