Apple announces that RCS support is coming to iPhone next year (9to5mac.com)

Article summary

Apple has announced that it will adopt the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard, which will bring features like read receipts and high-quality images to cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users. The feature will launch via a software update later next year and will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the primary messaging platform for Apple users. RCS will supplant SMS and MMS for messaging between iPhone and Android devices. Apple's decision to adopt RCS comes amid pressure from regulators and competitors.

Main themes

• RCS adoption
• iMessage vs SMS/RCS
• Cross-platform messaging
• Messaging security and privacy
• Regulatory pressure
• Competition and market dynamics

What commenters say

• Apple's adoption of RCS is a positive step towards improving cross-platform messaging, but it does not address the issue of iMessage's closed ecosystem.
• The green bubble color used for SMS messages is not intended to be ugly or ostracizing, but rather a functional distinction from iMessage.
• Signal is a more secure and private messaging platform than both iMessage and RCS, but its adoption is limited due to its smaller user base.
• Apple's implementation of RCS will not change the fact that iMessage is a superior messaging platform with more features and better security.
• The decision to adopt RCS is likely a response to regulatory pressure, particularly from the European Union's Digital Markets Act.
• The distinction between iMessage and SMS/RCS is necessary due to differences in functionality and cost, with SMS potentially incurring additional charges.
• Some commenters believe that Apple's resistance to adopting RCS was driven by a desire to maintain a competitive advantage through its proprietary iMessage platform.