Apple is finally adding RCS texting to the iPhone - and I'm absolutely thrilled
What is RCS and why is it considered an improvement over SMS messaging?
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a messaging protocol designed to replace SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). It offers several improvements over traditional SMS messaging, such as support for high-quality photos and videos, read receipts, clearer audio messages, and more. RCS allows for a more modern messaging experience, similar to messaging services like Telegram or iMessage.
One of the main advantages of RCS is its ability to provide a seamless messaging experience across platforms, as it is supported by a wide range of carriers and devices. This means that users can enjoy richer communication features without needing to rely on specific apps or services. Additionally, RCS messages are sent over the internet, which allows for more efficient and reliable messaging compared to SMS, which relies on a mobile network connection.
Why has Apple been hesitant to adopt RCS on iPhones until now?
Apple has been hesitant to adopt RCS on iPhones until now due to a few reasons. Firstly, Apple has been keen on maintaining its ecosystem exclusivity, which has led to fragmentation in messaging ecosystems, particularly affecting Android users. Secondly, Apple CEO Tim Cook dismissed the idea of adopting RCS in iMessage a year ago, suggesting the questioner should buy their mom an iPhone. Apple has been more focused on promoting iMessage as the superior messaging experience for Apple users.
However, the main reason for Apple's recent change of heart seems to be regulatory pressure, especially from the European Commission. Apple is likely trying to avoid being forced to open iMessage to direct competitors like WhatsApp, which could threaten its walled garden approach. By adopting RCS, Apple can show a willingness to support device interoperability and potentially avoid being designated as a core service under the Digital Markets Act.
What are some of the features that RCS supports which are not available with traditional SMS?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) offers several advanced features compared to traditional SMS (Short Message Service), enhancing the overall messaging experience3. Some of these features include:
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Media Sharing: RCS allows users to send high-quality images, videos, and audio files, unlike SMS which has limitations on media file sizes and quality5.
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Read Receipts: RCS supports read receipts, allowing senders to know when their messages have been read by the recipient5. This feature is not available in traditional SMS.
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Typing Indicators: RCS lets users see when someone is typing a message, providing real-time visibility and reducing uncertainty during conversations.
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Group Messaging and Chat Features: RCS enables seamless group messaging with options to name groups, add or remove participants, and view the list of group members. Group chats also support multimedia sharing and other RCS features.
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Enhanced Emojis, Stickers, and Reactions: RCS offers an expanded emoji collection, including animated emojis, and allows users to react to messages with stickers and emojis, enhancing the emotional depth of interactions.
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Real-time Video Calling: RCS supports real-time video calling within the messaging app, providing a more interactive communication experience.
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Location Sharing: Users can share their real-time location with contacts using RCS, a feature not available in traditional SMS.
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Better Encryption: RCS provides better encryption by default, with client-to-server encryption and support for end-to-end encryption in some implementations.
These features make RCS a more dynamic and secure messaging platform compared to traditional SMS.