RCS’s compromise is simpler than it appears, as its goal is to provide a more intuitive and feature-rich messaging experience. The best comparison is to think of it as using something like Telegram or WhatsApp from a unified messaging app. This includes issues related to learning receipts, typing prompts, message responses and top class media.
For years, Google has tried to get Apple into RCS training to unfair advantage, and Apple did not have to give up until the end of 2023. In its surprise announcement, Apple revealed that it will be bringing RCS compatibility to the iPhone, adding that Era is also “working with GSMA to improve the RCS standard.”
After installing the upcoming iOS 18 developer beta, I entered the Settings app to confirm that the RCS toggle was available. It was not only available, but it was already enabled. Later, I opened the Messages app and started sending a text to my assistant, Nick Sutrich.
To my surprise, the messaging app informed me that it was sending a text message and that it was using RCS. A few minutes later, we found that a dozen units worked as we expected. Typing prompts appeared, videos sent both ways were absolutely fantastic, and tapback reactions popped up when they were made.
It’s also worth finding out that Apple has some work to do. Nick tried to respond with photomoji to the video I sent. On the other hand, instead of appearing like a tapback reaction, it arrived as an MMS on my iPhone with a message saying, “Reacted with a photomoji.”
After some time, the dialogue again switched from SMS/MMS to RCS. This is where another bottleneck appears, as one would expect the forward and backward transition to be in the right place. Regardless, I think it’s better than having to go into the Settings app again and toggle RCS on and off.
As 9to5Mac’s previous record noted, “RCS support on iPhone depends on Apple working with carrier partners to get them to update their bundles.” As of the week of that writing, it was reported that RCS messaging was easiest available on AT&T and T-Cell.
Now that doesn’t seem to be the case, as my personal iPhone 15 Pro Max is on Verizon and is seen in the screenshot above. That being said, don’t expect it to work across all carriers just yet, especially MVNO carriers like Mint Cell or Perceptible. We have additional reports from users with used iPhone models who are not able to get RCS to value without a workaround, despite being enrolled in the iOS 18 developer beta.
We’re still early in the iOS 18 build cycle, as actual devices aren’t expected to arrive until this fall. This gives Apple enough weeks to figure out the glitch before the general release. However it did confirm to us what messaging would do between iOS and Android.
It didn’t need to be fashioned like this
I’ve long complained about the inability to use iMessage on Android, as it’s one of the number one important technologies I keep relating to the community. Because of this, I’ve turned to workarounds like AirMessage, BlueBubbles, Sunbird, and Beeper. However, Sunbird and Beeper could not win the battle against Apple due to near security problems, but I have given up on this idea.
The truth of the situation is that it should never have been this way. Apple may be one of the most important companies in the world, but it definitely also tends to be one of the most anti-consumer companies.
It is not that RCS is a specific product born out of thin air, nor is it an unused logo. In fact, RCS has been in existence since 2008 and was made available on Android phones through Google Messages in 2020.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t until the beeper debacle, coupled with any other Ultimatum from the European Union, that Apple has made up its mind to modify its music. What makes the whole situation worrying is that it didn’t have to be this way.
I became extremely irritated by the upcoming use of RCS to send messages back and forth to Nick for just a few minutes. The “walled garden” approach is an incredible concept to provide unmatched cross-device enjoyment. Your telephone, tablet and PC all work in combination There’s no need to jump through hoops.
The weakness is that Apple doesn’t (or doesn’t) want its customers to think or even imagine what’s on the other side of the wall. That’s why we see historical telephones being used to illustrate various Android-related options on Apple’s backup pages.
Seriously, Apple was using an image of a chunky, normal-looking Android phone to display a “FaceTime invite link” in 2021. This was the week when phones like the Galaxy S21 Ultra, OnePlus 9 Pro and more. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is making waves. It’s all aimed at letting Apple buyers believe that the other side of its finely cut box used to be a wild forest.
This is why Apple continues to pretend to meet you later in terms of RCS and iMessage. The elitism in the show is basically a Cold War-style attack on the non-Apple person.
Did you want to send your grandparents a video of your newborn baby from your Galaxy S24 Ultra? Put yourself in a position to ask why the video looks like it was taken on a 90’s video recorder. Haven’t you seen group chats with friends who play iPhone? The attempt to get everyone to appreciate a different messaging platform was absolutely successful, especially for those who have an Android phone.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m very happy to see RCS on the iPhone. Although its actual use is close, it has confirmed Apple’s stubbornness as a company with its assets and measurement.