After a prolonged period, Apple has finally decided to shift from traditional SMS to RCS (Rich Communication Services), set to be integrated in iOS 18. This transition enhances text messaging between iPhone and Android users by introducing features similar to those found in iMessage.
For this change to be effective, mobile operators must also provide RCS support, and the UK carrier Three has recently informed its customers of its upcoming implementation next month.
Apple’s Long-Awaited RCS Support
Apple’s Messages application has been designed to facilitate messaging among iPhone users via the iMessage platform, resorting to standard SMS when interacting with Android devices.
This reliance on SMS raised concerns, given that these messages lack end-to-end encryption and don’t include modern communication features. Various industry stakeholders and regulators have urged Apple to adopt RCS support, but the company resisted for an extended time, likely due to iMessage being a significant selling point for iPhones.
Finally, Apple announced last year that it would embrace RCS, with integration slated for iOS 18.
Three Supporting RCS for iPhone Users
Alongside Apple, mobile carriers are also responsible for enabling RCS for iPhones, and Three has confirmed its commitment to do just that.
We’re reaching out to inform you that in conjunction with Apple’s iOS 18 updates expected during the week commencing December 9, 2024, text messaging for Three customers utilizing iOS 18 compatible iPhones will transition from SMS to the advanced Rich Communication Services (RCS).
With RCS, users will benefit from improved messaging features while using data allowances instead of SMS allowances. For those who prefer the traditional SMS service, turning off RCS in phone settings will be a straightforward process.
A supportive document highlights the advantages of RCS for messaging with Android users.
- Multimedia sharing: easily send images, videos, and audio messages
- Group chats: engage in conversations with multiple participants at once
- Read receipts: receive notifications when your messages are read
- Typing indicators: see when a contact is composing a response
- Enhanced security: enjoy improved message security through encryption
- No character limits: send longer messages without any caps
Photo by Cee Ayes on Unsplash
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