According to reports from 9to5Mac and Apple Insider, Apple plans to introduce RCS (Rich Communication Services) support for iPhones in 2024. This move could lead to improved interoperability between iPhones and Android devices in terms of messaging. The Messages app would then be able to receive messages from Android smartphones, while still continuing support for SMS and MMS.
What is RCS Messaging?
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a messaging protocol that sends text messages and offers features such as read receipts, sharing high-resolution photos and videos, and enhanced group chats.
The introduction of RCS by Apple could enhance messaging between iPhones and Android devices, as currently, Apple users need to use a different messaging app other than the built-in one for this purpose.
Why the sudden change?
Despite years of pressure from Google and network operators, Apple had previously refused to support RCS. The altered stance might be due to planned regulatory measures in Europe. The EU’s Digital Markets Act could soon require Apple to enable interoperability for its messaging app.
Apple seems to be aiming to open up the messaging app while still keeping its iMessage format exclusive to its ecosystem.
So far, according to the report, Apple has only expressed its intention to add support in 2024. As per a Techradar report, Apple will not adopt proprietary extensions, such as those introduced by Google adding end-to-end encryption to RCS. Instead, Apple plans to collaborate with the GSM Association (GSMA) to incorporate encryption into the RCS Universal Profile.
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