iOS 18 rolling out RCS to the iPhone for better Android messaging [Video]

Apple today is rolling out iOS 18 with support for RCS in a huge boost to the iPhone-Android messaging experience.

Rich Communications Services (RCS) is an upgrade to SMS/MMS that supports features like typing indicators with delivery and read receipts (which can be turned off), higher resolution media (photos + videos), and the ability to message over Wi-Fi and mobile data instead of just a carrier’s cellular network. Group chats controls let you easily leave conversations.

However, there continues to be no end-to-end encryption (E2EE), with work towards that between Android and iOS continuing. 

In a press release, Apple says:

When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS.

After updating to iOS 18, iPhone owners don’t have to do anything, with the RCS Messaging toggle in Settings > Apps > Messages enabled by default. Conversations …