What you need to know
- Apple has begun rolling out its iOS 18 update to iPhones, with a surprise for Android users included in their blog post.
- The iOS 18 update introduces RCS support between iPhone and Android phones, offering E2EE, read receipts, sharper photos, and an enhanced chat experience over SMS.
- The battle for Apple to adopt RCS has been ongoing, with Samsung joining Google’s effort to promote the new standard.
Apple has started releasing its iOS 18 software to iPhone users, which includes new features for Android users as well.
In a Newsroom post, Apple detailed the major changes in the iOS 18 update, highlighting improvements in text messaging. The update brings enhanced RCS support and messaging capabilities between iPhone and Android devices.
This upgraded support offers “richer media” and more reliable group messaging compared to the old SMS/MMS standards. This update aims to address issues like pixelation in shared photos and other chat problems between iOS and Android devices.
Users on both platforms can benefit from E2EE (end-to-end encryption) to secure their conversations.
The initiative to improve text messaging unity began when Google launched the #GetTheMessage campaign two years ago. It aimed to provide a better texting experience between iOS and Android by resolving issues with SMS/MMS standard, which often caused image distortion and message fragmentation.
With the introduction of RCS support, users can now enjoy typing indicators, read receipts, and the ability to text over Wi-Fi. This push for Apple to adopt the RCS standard saw Samsung joining forces with Google.
Apple’s iMessage managed to avoid scrutiny following the EU’s investigation into its “gatekeeper” status for the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Despite this investigation, Apple confirmed two months later in November 2023 its plan to incorporate RCS into iOS.
Not all features in iOS 18 and RCS are fully compatible across platforms. During WWDC 2024, RCS was not a focal point, and new iMessage features did not consider RCS compatibility. Features like “Send Later” and “Tapback” emoji choices may not work with RCS chats.
Nevertheless, the addition of RCS support for iOS and Android users is a positive development. The distinct blue-green bubble aesthetic in messaging remains.
Large and in charge
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL is the new (old?) kid on the block as the company brings back an old name. The device is the largest of three slab Pixels, arriving with a 6.8-inch display. Internally, the device rocks the same time-saving Gemini features for summaries, Gemini Live, and more on-device prowess.
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