Key Points:
• Apple has finally added support for RCS (rich communication services) in iOS 18, bringing features like group chats, read receipts, and multimedia sharing to text messages between iPhone and Android users.
• UK telco Three has confirmed it will support RCS for its iPhone users from next month, with the switch-over happening as part of planned iOS 18 updates in December.
• RCS requires both Apple and carriers to support the feature, ensuring end-to-end encryption, better security, and richer messaging experiences for users.
Apple has been slow to adopt RCS, a next-generation messaging standard, opting instead to use SMS text messages when communicating with non-iPhone users. But with the introduction of iOS 18, Apple is finally making the switch to RCS, enabling iPhone and Android users to enjoy rich messaging features.
UK-based carrier Three has announced its support for RCS, bringing the feature to its customers from next month. Three’s announcement states that this change will come as part of planned iOS 18 updates in December, as part of a move away from SMS to RCS on compatible iPhones. The changes will be seamless, as users can opt-out and continue using SMS if needed.
The shift to RCS brings a host of improvements to text messaging, including:
• Multimedia sharing: Easily share images, videos, and audio messages with others.
• Group chats: Conduct conversations with multiple people simultaneously.
• Read receipts: Know when your messages have been read.
• Typing indicators: See when someone is composing a response.
• Enhanced security: Benefit from end-to-end encryption for better message security.
• No character limits: Send longer messages without restrictions.
These features may seem like small changes to some, but they dramatically alter the mobile messaging landscape, making the experience more comprehensive and end-to-end secure. Stay tuned for Apple’s formal rollout of iOS 18 and RCS, and plan to experience these exciting developments firsthand.
Takeaway action: As an iPhone and Android user, start learning more about the benefits and features of RCS, preparing yourself for the seamless rollout of this enhanced messaging system.
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