Apple Enables RCS Messaging Support in iOS 18 Beta 2

Apple has begun enabling RCS messaging support for developers in iOS 18 beta 2.

Excited users have been posting all over social media tonight as they discover the feature is working.

In a post on X, Quinn Nelson of Snazzy Labs writes...


I never believed this day would come. Wowie zowie!

Even cross-platform reactions work! And typing indicators!



RCS stands for 'Rich Communication Services'. It is a communication protocol between mobile telephone carriers and between phone and carrier, aiming to replace SMS messages with a text-message system that is richer, provides phonebook polling (for service discovery), and can transmit in-call multimedia.


Google has run a pressure campaign over the past few years to get Apple to adopt the standard and improve communication between iPhone and Android users. However, it is likely that Apple has decided to implement RCS to avoid potential regulatory pressure.

Here's a look at some of the features the messaging standard can enable:
● Rich Media and File Sharing: Unlike traditional SMS, RCS allows users to send high-resolution photos, videos, and audio messages.
● Group Chat Functionality: RCS supports advanced group chat features similar to what's found in modern messaging apps.
● Read Receipts and Typing Indicators: It can show when a message is read and when the other person is typing.
● Video Calls and Location Sharing: Users can initiate video calls and share their location directly from the messaging app.
● Enhanced Business Messaging: RCS provides businesses with more interactive and engaging ways to connect with customers, like sending rich media, interactive elements, and branded messages.

To try RCS, you'll need to install iOS 18 beta 2. Also, there is an 'RCS Messaging' switch that needs to be turned on in the Messages app settings. If it's not working trying toggling the switch off and back on.

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