First the USB Type-C port and now this? Who sneaked an Android guy inside the Apple headquarters? In its second biggest-ever decision after the inclusion of a USB Type-C port, Apple has announced that it will adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard.
Before we tell you about when and how, let us tell you what RCS messaging is.
In simple words, the RCS messaging standard uses your phone’s default message app, not WhatsApp or anything else.
The boring old messaging app is capable of almost all the fancy features that you generally see on WhatsApp or even iMessage, including read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality images and videos, and more.
Unlike regular SMS, RCS can work over mobile data or Wi-Fi as well.
Currently. iMessage allows communication only between Apple users. The SMS service does support cross-platform messaging but it’s painful and archaic. Nobody uses it honestly to communicate with Android people.
What has Apple announced?
After years of pressure from Google, Samsung, and regulators, Apple has finally agreed to adopt the RCS standard. It has said that the software update will be rolled out later next year and introduce a range of iMessage-style features to messaging between iPhone and Android users.
As per a report by 9to5Mac, an Apple spokesperson has said that the company believes RCS will offer better interoperability for cross-platform messages.
“Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association. We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users,” the spokesperson said.
So there is relief for iMessage fans, nobody is touching your secure space. The iMessage service will work independently as it does now, the RCS support will come to the SMS service.
Among the changes, Apple will give users the ability to share their location with other people inside text threads.
You should remember that with RCS support, Apple is NOT opening iMessage to other platforms.
The company has also said iMessage is more secure and privacy-friendly than RCS. Apple will work with the GSMA members to improve the RCS protocol.
It will work to improve the security and encryption of RCS messages.