Google shares information about Apple’s RCS implementation in iOS 18 Messages

Whereas Apple is staying comparatively cagey about its implementation of RCS (Wealthy Communication Companies) within the iOS 18 Messages app, we now know extra about which model it plans to help, due to Android Authority. The location factors to 2 items of uncovered proof, starting with a remark by Tim Atkinson — the EMEA Enterprise Improvement Supervisor at Google — who throughout a Cellular Ecosystem Discussion board Connects assembly in December 2023 mentioned that Apple will help RCS Common Profile 2.4, which usually contains enterprise messaging options.

That assertion is backed by a GSM Affiliation doc from June 2021, explaining that new 5G-capable gadgets bought in China should help Common Profile 2.4 at a minimal. Since Apple is deeply entrenched within the Chinese language market and unlikely to sacrifice billions of {dollars} exiting it, it successfully has no alternative however to supply 2.4 or later. Some type of the Common Profile is necessary for RCS, because it ensures compatibility throughout gadgets, platforms, and community operators.

It is not clear whether or not Apple will truly help RCS’ enterprise messaging options. That might permit issues like branding, higher-quality media, and recommended replies, much like the Messages for Enterprise know-how inside iOS. That lets customers use the iOS Messages app to purchase merchandise or get buyer help

Why is Apple including RCS to Messages?

Help for RCS is broadly believed to be Apple’s try to defuse competitors complaints about iMessage. The corporate has actively fought makes an attempt to carry iMessage to Android, to date limiting interactions between iPhones and Android gadgets to the outdated SMS/MMS format. Certainly iMessage is a specific focus of the US Division of Justice’s antitrust case in opposition to Apple — exclusivity means Android customers cannot even get end-to-end encryption when texting iPhone homeowners, not less than not with out a third-party messaging service like Sign.

SMS/MMS is dropping by the wayside regardless. It lacks help for options like learn receipts, and photographs and movies despatched by way of MMS are compressed to a a lot decrease high quality than what trendy gadgets and networks are able to. Help is unlikely to vanish utterly although, not less than not for a number of years — “dumb” telephones aren’t able to something higher, and lots of companies and governments nonetheless depend upon SMS notifications.