RCS update standardizes message replies, editing, reactions, more for Android & iPhone
How do iOS and Android handle message reactions currently?
Currently, iOS and Android handle message reactions differently. iOS uses iMessage, which allows users to react to messages with emojis. These reactions are visible to other iMessage users but appear as text messages to Android users5. Android, on the other hand, uses RCS (Rich Communication Services) that enables similar reactions, but they are not compatible with iMessage. As a result, Android users may see a separate text message when an iPhone user reacts to a message5.
What is the GSMA Association responsible for maintaining?
The GSMA Association is responsible for maintaining Rich Communication Services (RCS), which is a standard for mobile communication that aims to improve messaging experiences across different platforms, such as Android and iPhone4. This includes features like enabling replies and reactions to messages, editing and recalling sent messages, and extending spam reporting to person-to-person messaging.
What does the latest RCS update include for messaging?
The latest RCS update includes "Extended Messaging" to improve Android and iPhone interoperability. This update enables Replies and Reactions (including Custom Reactions) to sent and received messages, and allows message senders to Edit, Recall, and Delete messages they sent earlier. Additionally, RCS will extend Spam Reporting to person-to-person messaging.