Everything We Know About Apple’s RCS Integration with iOS 18 Update

The Background

For years, Apple has resisted integrating RCS, a protocol championed by Google and other tech giants, into its messaging ecosystem. Instead, Apple focused on its proprietary iMessage platform. However, with growing industry pressure and the need for a unified messaging standard, Apple’s decision to adopt RCS is a game-changer.

Here is a gist of the update

• iOS 18 is expected to roll out in September 2024, though Apple has not yet announced any official date
• Update will be free
• Will be available worldwide across all supported iOS devices
• Will be integrated into the Messages app through the iOS 18 software update
• This signals a more inclusive and seamless cross-platform messaging environment

Craig Federighi, SVP of Software Engineering, Apple, expressed his excitement: “We are excited to bring RCS to our users with iOS 18. This update will provide a richer, more interactive messaging experience, enhancing how we communicate personally and professionally.”

Features of iOS 18 RCS Integration

• Enhanced Messaging: Share high-resolution photos, videos, and audio messages effortlessly to create visually appealing and engaging content. This capability allows businesses to convey their message more effectively and creatively, enhancing user interaction and brand communication.
• Read Receipts: Gain valuable insights into message engagement with read receipts. You’ll know precisely when your messages are received and read, enabling timely follow-ups and ensuring effective communication with your audience.
• Typing Indicators: Stay connected in real-time with typing indicators, which show when someone is composing a response. This feature promotes responsive and interactive conversations, improving overall customer satisfaction and engagement.
• Group Chats: Enjoy an enriched group messaging experience with RCS. Share multimedia content, coordinate activities, and maintain seamless communication within groups. This feature fosters collaboration and community engagement, ideal for team projects or customer support teams.
• End-to-End Encryption: RCS supports end-to-end encryption, ensuring that messages are securely transmitted from sender to recipient without being accessible to intermediaries. This feature protects sensitive information and ensures user privacy, enhancing trust in communication channels.

European Regulations and Apple’s Move

One major factor pushing Apple towards RCS is the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe. The European Union has proactively promoted interoperability and open standards to enhance consumer choice and competition. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is particularly influential, aiming to curb tech giants’ market dominance and mandating that major platforms ensure compatibility with rival services. This regulatory pressure likely accelerated Apple’s adoption of RCS, ensuring compliance with upcoming standards and avoiding potential legal challenges in a crucial market.

Agem Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president of the European Commission for a Europe Fit for the Digital, noted, “The Digital Markets Act is created to ensure fair competition and open markets. Apple’s adoption of RCS is a positive step towards greater interoperability and consumer choice in digital communications.”

How is RCS Business Messaging a game changer?

RCS business messaging takes the idea of text messaging and supercharges it. You can send high-quality images, videos, and audio, making the experience richer as the messages are far more engaging than traditional SMS. Think about how effective interactive elements can be—buttons for quick actions like booking appointments, making purchases, or accessing customer support—right within the message. Plus, with verified sender features, your customers will trust that they’re communicating with your brand and not a scammer. And let’s not forget the analytics that comes with it, giving you insights into message delivery, open rates, and interactions.

RCS Vs SMS, iMessage: how does it compare?

RCS, SMS, and Apple Messages for Business (AMB) are all popular channels, each with unique strengths that help businesses achieve their messaging goals. Here’s a closer look at how RCS compares to SMS and AMB:

• SMS: Known for its wide reach and simplicity, SMS is universally supported across all mobile devices, making it a reliable choice for basic text messaging.
• RCS: Offers richer, interactive features such as images, carousels, and action buttons, providing a more engaging experience than SMS.
• Apple Messages for Business (AMB): Integrates seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, offering advanced features like customer service chat and secure transactions within the iMessage app.

Route Mobile and RCS Capabilities

Route Mobile, a leading cloud communications platform, has been at the forefront of RCS business messaging. We offer robust RCS solutions that enable businesses to leverage this technology for enhanced customer engagement. Our customisable templates can be tailored to suit our customers’ business needs, and advanced analytics provide detailed insights into message performance. Integration is seamless with existing CRM and marketing toolsoffering a global reach.

What we helped our clients achieve with RCS:

RCS campaign reduced lead costs by 30% for Paisa Bazaar

Helped Flipkart Increase click-through rate by 20%, indicating heightened interest and engagement

Find out how you can transform your communication strategy with RCS- Explore