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

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

That assertion is backed by a GSM Affiliation doc from June 2021, explaining that new 5G-capable units bought in China need to assist 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 obligatory for RCS, because it ensures compatibility throughout units, platforms, and community operators.

It is not clear whether or not Apple will really assist RCS’ enterprise messaging options. That may enable issues like branding, higher-quality media, and urged replies, much like the Messages for Enterprise expertise inside iOS. That lets shoppers use the iOS Messages app to purchase merchandise or get buyer assist

Why is Apple including RCS to Messages?

Help for RCS is extensively believed to be Apple’s try and defuse competitors complaints about iMessage. The corporate has actively fought makes an attempt to deliver iMessage to Android, thus far limiting interactions between iPhones and Android units to the outdated SMS/MMS format. Certainly iMessage is a specific focus of the US Division of Justice’s antitrust case towards Apple — exclusivity means Android customers cannot even get end-to-end encryption when texting iPhone homeowners, a minimum of not with no third-party messaging service like Sign.

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