Apple confirms adding support for RCS later next year

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It was only recently that Nothing announced a new way for Android users to chat with iPhone users via Nothing Chats. Although this is only available on the Nothing Phone (2) in selected regions, this is the first time that an Android brand did it. But in a surprise turn of events, Apple announced that it will support RCS (Rich Communication Services) next year. 

For those who don't know, the lack of RCS is one of the factors that Apple users get the green bubble texts instead of blue (and among other features) from Android users on iMessage. While no specific date was mentioned, Apple hopes to offer a variety of iMessage-style features between iPhone and Android users. Below is the excerpt from an Apple spokesperson: 

"Later next year, we will be adding support for RCS Universal Profile, the standard as currently published by the GSM Association. We believe RCS Universal Profile will offer a better interoperability experience when compared to SMS or MMS. This will work alongside iMessage, which will continue to be the best and most secure messaging experience for Apple users."

 

To be clear, this does not mean Apple will add RCS to iMessage but rather, adopting RCS separately from it. Apple is simply using RCS to replace SMS and MMS while iMessage will continue to be its own social messaging platform between Apple users. With this, those using SMS and MMS can see a few iMessage features such as read receipts, typing indicators, HQ images and videos, and more. 

Google also responded to Apple's announcement, saying "We believe everyone deserves to communicate inclusively no matter what phone they have. This is one huge step closer to doing that. Excited for Apple to embrace RCS, the modern industry standard, to help make messaging better for everyone."