Finally testable: iOS 18 beta 3 for developers delivers RCS support
Google has been trying for years to get Apple to support the SMS successor Rich Communication Services. Now the time has come for developers.
RCS menu under iOS 18 Beta 3.
Apple had already confirmed that iOS 18 would finally bring the SMS successor RCS (Rich Communication Services) to the iPhone. Beta testers of the developer preview of the new operating system have now reported that the function has also been implemented in Germany. With Beta 3, which has been available for a few days, RCS can now be activated in the system settings. However, due to the changes Apple has made there, you will have to look for a little: The function can be found under "Apps" and then "Messages".
One switch and off you go
Developers had previously reported that RCS was active in other countries. In Germany, at least users of the Telekom network are covered, but other mobile network providers could also be included, as Apple is apparently rolling out the function country by country. RCS support is activated via a single switch hidden under "Text messages". At the moment, the description text there is only in English. "Sending and receiving messages with RCS is done using cellular data. Network identifiers can be shared with your mobile service provider and their partners," reads the translation.
Apple is also planning to allow so-called business chats, as already known from iMessage. However, these will not be sent via the Apple service, but via the SMS successor. This is called "RCS messages from companies". This is also controlled by the mobile network provider: "Your network provider will send, receive and review your RCS messages from businesses," writes Apple. It remains to be seen how this will work in practice.
RCS remains green, but can do more
Like SMS, RCS messages are visually differentiated in the Messages app: Instead of blue like iMessage messages, RCS messages are green ("green bubbles"). The new service (for Apple users) allows modern messaging functions such as audio messages, read markers, typing indicators, data transfer via WLAN (as an alternative to mobile communications) and higher resolutions for photos and videos. Group messaging is also possible. However, unlike iMessage, end-to-end encryption is not provided. However, providers such as Google at least provide transport encryption using TLS so that you cannot be overheard from your smartphone to the RCS server. It can be assumed that Apple does the same.
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Google had long campaigned for Apple to support RCS. In doing so, it also played the emotional card: displaying communication from Android devices in green is even considered "bullying" by some. It remains to be seen how much the use of RCS will grow as a result of Apple's direct support in iOS 18. For iPhone users, it is just another communication channel. iOS 18 will probably be released in September, with a public beta coming in July.
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(bsc)
