Apple’s Messages app adds support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging in iOS 18 developer beta 2. This means iPhone users can now bypass the limitations of SMS and MMS when communicating with Android devices.
RCS utilizes the internet for richer features like high-quality photos, typing indicators, read receipts, and group chats. Previously, these features were exclusive to iMessage conversations between Apple users.
Android messages still appear in green bubbles.
Support for RCS seems to be limited to U.S. carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon for now. While users can see the toggle if they have installed the iOS 18 developer beta, the feature will only work if their mobile carrier supports RCS and has updated their network bundle for iOS 18.
Apple briefly mentioned that iOS 18 would get RCS support during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote earlier this month.
“When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS,” Apple said in its press release detailing iOS 18.
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
MacDailyNews Take: Still green? Still a loser.
Just slightly better than the awful SMS, RCS will still be the worst way to send messages back and forth versus all of the features iMessage offers (Tapbacks, message effects, collaboration, inline replies, undo send, audio messages, Memoji, junk reporting, group conversation management, and more).
Please help support MacDailyNews. Click or tap here to support our independent tech blog. Thank you!
Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon.
The post Apple adds support for RCS to Messages in latest iOS 18 beta; green bubbles remain appeared first on MacDailyNews.
