iOS 18 iMessage — all the new features coming to your iPhone

The major updates announced for iMessage with the release of iOS 18 include:

1. RCS (Rich Communication Services) support: This will improve messaging experience when communicating with non-Apple devices, facilitating higher-quality media sharing, read receipts, and longer character limits.

2. New Tapbacks: Users will be able to use any emoji as a Tapback, as well as stickers, for a more personalized approach.

3. Extra formatting options: Rich text formatting will allow users to make their text bold, italicized, underlined, or crossed out5. Additionally, eight special effects (big, small, shake, nod, explode, ripple, bloom, and jitter) can be added to any character.

4. AI-generated emoji (Genmoji): This feature enables users to create custom emojis using AI, though it is limited to iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max devices with an A17 Pro processor.

5. Scheduling messages: Users can write a message and schedule it to be sent at a specific time.

6. Messages via satellite: Compatible iPhones will be able to send iMessages and SMS via satellite, allowing communication even when cellular and Wi-Fi connections are unavailable.

Apple's decision to support RCS Universal Profile 2.4 instead of the more current version 2.6 is likely due to a combination of factors. One possible reason is that version 2.4 is the minimum requirement set by China's new regulatory standards for 5G devices, and given Apple's significant presence in the Chinese market, the company may want to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Another factor could be related to the features offered by the different RCS Universal Profile versions. While version 2.6 includes additional features like end-to-end encryption, Apple may have determined that supporting version 2.4 meets the needs of its users for improved messaging experiences between iPhone and Android devices.

It's also worth noting that Apple has been known to implement its own versions of standards and protocols, and it may have plans to add its own unique features or improvements to the RCS implementation in iOS 18.

In summary, Apple's choice to support RCS Universal Profile 2.4 is likely influenced by a combination of regulatory requirements, feature needs, and the company's own strategic considerations.