Apple’s iOS 18 is shaping as much as be probably the most important upgrades within the software program’s historical past. Between all of the AI features and tweaked UI to the broad customization choices, it is virtually like Apple is revamping the iOS expertise as we all know it, which is able to shake issues up for iPhone owners for years to return.
Additionally: iOS 18 beta now lets you send RCS messages to Android users
However by far, the most effective options of iOS 18 has nothing to do with the most recent improvements out of Cupertino. In actual fact, it has roots in one other a part of California: Mountain View. RCS.
Just a few years in the past, a brand new textual content messaging customary known as Wealthy Communications Service, or RCS, was launched by Google. It is designed to exchange SMS messaging, which has been round because the Nineties. RCS helps an enormous array of contemporary messaging options like greater high quality pictures and movies, learn receipts, clearer audio messages, and extra, making it really feel extra like a messaging service like Telegram or iMessage.
It took some time for the brand new customary to roll out, however it will definitely reached each Android phone that makes use of the Google Messages app due to broad provider help.
Regardless of the function being obtainable on Android telephones for a lot of years, Apple has refused to carry it to the iPhone. The corporate has relied on an inferior expertise to remind customers that speaking to different iPhone customers with iMessage is healthier than speaking to Android customers over SMS. Naturally, it is brought on an important degree of frustration not simply among the many tech-savvy begging for high-quality video sharing between platforms but additionally amongst customers who merely need a greater messaging expertise.
Additionally: You’ll soon be able to text 911 via RCS on your Android phone. Here’s how it works
Fortuitously, we’re getting simply that. Shortly earlier than Apple was compelled to bring RCS to the iPhone by European regulators, the corporate introduced the expertise would trickle onto its units afterward in 2024. Now, we have now affirmation that the function will formally arrive as part of iOS 18.
Apple did not spend a variety of time speaking about it onstage throughout WWDC earlier this month. In actual fact, Craig Federighi talked about it for about two seconds towards the tip of his iOS 18 demo. They did not point out the entire capabilities it might carry to iPhones, nor the advantages of it in comparison with SMS, which alerts the corporate does not need to make it a pinnacle new function of the iOS expertise.
Regardless of Apple’s efforts to reduce it, RCS will enhance the time you spend texting your Android mates with richer media help, learn receipts, and extra.
Additionally: Everything to know about Apple’s AI features coming to iPhones, Macs, and iPads
Sadly, we do not know every little thing that RCS will allow in your iPhone. On Android, you are able to do issues like share information, ship messages over Wi-Fi, and even see typing indicators. In iOS 18, we solely have affirmation for just a few options due to a function card on Apple’s website: learn receipts, (presumably) higher-quality pictures, and audio messages. The textual content subject will point out once you’re messaging with RCS, and your whole bubbles will stay inexperienced.
Though we do not know every little thing about RCS on the iPhone, it is my most anticipated function of iOS 18 by a mile. Sure, the Apple Intelligence stuff seems cool, and I dig all of the customization Apple is including to the house display. However my largest downside with utilizing my iPhone each day is sending messages to Android customers over SMS, which is oftentimes extremely gradual and unreliable with spottier connections.
Additionally: Apple’s iOS 18 will let you record phone calls without a third-party app
There have been a lot of instances I’ve tried texting my brother — who has a Pixel 7 Professional — one thing pressing, solely to seek out out he by no means obtained my message for some cause or one other. Attempt to ship a photograph over SMS, and you will be praying that it goes by efficiently. And you’ll overlook about video sharing; I simply resort to Telegram for that.
I notice I might use third-party messaging apps to unravel this downside. In spite of everything, that is what I’ve achieved with video sharing. However I prefer to have all my message threads in the identical place, and I might favor that place to be the identical app the place I’ve all my iMessages. With RCS, I am going to lastly have the ability to try this, even when it does not get the entire options that the expertise is able to.