Apple to Integrate RCS Messaging Standard on iPhones in 2023, Coexisting with iMessage

Apple is set to embrace the RCS messaging standard on iPhones by next year, as confirmed by a company spokesperson in statements to both TechRadar and 9to5Mac. This move is significant as RCS will now coexist alongside the popular iMessage platform.

According to the spokesperson, iPhones will receive support for RCS through a software update scheduled for release 'later next year'. The decision to incorporate RCS comes from Apple's belief that the RCS Universal Profile offers superior interoperability compared to traditional SMS or MMS. Interestingly, RCS will be offered as a separate service alongside iMessage, with SMS and MMS remaining as alternative options.

The introduction of RCS support is expected to foster greater collaboration between messaging apps on iPhones and Android devices. This means that users on both platforms will soon be able to effortlessly exchange high-quality videos and photos without the need for additional applications. Furthermore, features like sharing location, read receipts, and typing indicators will also become available for cross-platform communication. Unlike SMS and MMS, RCS operates over WiFi or mobile data connections.

One notable distinction between iMessage and RCS is that the former includes end-to-end encryption by default. Apple has clarified that it does not plan to add an encryption layer to RCS directly; instead, the company aims to work with the GSM Association to make encryption a standard feature of RCS. Often referred to as 'SMS 2.0', RCS has been supported by Google in Android for some time, but Apple initially resisted following suit. However, in September 2022, Apple's CEO Tim Cook teased a potential shift in stance, suggesting that the company may reconsider its position on RCS support.

Efforts to persuade Apple to embrace RCS have been ongoing, with Google and Samsung leading advocacy campaigns. Notably, some European providers have joined forces with Google in calling for iMessage to be subject to the regulations of the Digital Markets Act. As a result, Apple may be compelled to make changes to ensure interoperability with other messaging services.

Overall, Apple's decision to adopt the RCS standard represents a significant step towards enhancing communication experiences for iPhone users. By embracing RCS, Apple is not only promoting cross-platform compatibility but also paving the way for a more seamless messaging experience in the future.