Apple confirmed in the course of the WWDC 2024 essential keynote what many individuals had suspected: iOS 18 will convey official RCS assist to the iPhone. Many Android customers have wished this function for years, which is why Google and different rivals have been operating huge advert campaigns in opposition to Apple.
Apple didn’t say when it’ll allow RCS on iPhone. Most individuals operating iOS 18 beta 1 didn’t see RCS assist within the Messages app. I put in iOS 18 as quickly because it got here out, and my textual content messages to non-iPhone customers are nonetheless marked as SMS. Apparently, nevertheless, some customers have discovered a method to allow RCS assist on iPhone in iOS 18. Consequently, we now have our first take a look at Apple’s RCS implementation on the iPhone.
Google’s marketing campaign may appear to have been profitable, however Apple was all the time going to convey RCS assist to the iPhone. Current findings have proven that new laws in China require RCS support from all telephones offered within the area.
Nevertheless, Apple is not going to assist Google’s model of RCS in iOS 18. It’ll follow the service customary, which implies among the options Google presents in its RCS implementation is not going to be out there in iPhone-to-Android chats.
The best way Apple dealt with RCS assist in its WWDC supplies reveals that Cupertino doesn’t prioritize the usual. Apple is barely including RCS assist to the iPhone as a result of it has to.
What RCS can do in iOS 18 beta 1
What I’m getting at is that it is sensible for Apple to delay RCS assist till the ultimate iOS 18 model rolls out or a extra secure iOS 18 launch. I’m stunned an X consumer discovered the best way to allow the function on an iPhone operating iOS 18 beta 1.
Dhinak G posted images on X that present RCS engaged on an iPhone. Both that or the screenshots have been faked, which is one thing we all the time have to remember when leaks.
Assuming the data is reputable, we’re what you’d anticipate from the RCS expertise. The bubbles will stay inexperienced, however messages are marked as being despatched by means of the RCS customary. You get learn receipts, typing assist, and emoji reactions to messages. File transfers additionally appear to work in RCS on iPhone.
Additionally, RCS seems to be working in group chats, however there’s no assist for learn receipts.
The X customers additionally famous that RCS messages are disabled by default in iOS 18 beta 1 and require some “particular magic” to work. When enabled, you’ll have one other setting possibility within the Settings app to allow RCS Messaging.
