Apple has finally added support for Rich Communications Services (RCS) to its Messages app, with the feature appearing as part of iOS 18's second developer beta earlier this week.
RCS is a messaging protocol that allows you to send and receive files and high-resolution images over the Internet, see typing indicators, get read receipts, and start group chats. Previously, iPhone users could only send SMS or MMS messages from the Messages app to people who didn't have Apple devices. They could only share media, get read receipts, and use other features with other Apple device users via iMessage. With this update, iPhone users can start texting and sharing files with people who use devices that support RCS, including most Android phones.
However, messages from Android devices will appear as green bubbles in iMessage.
Support for RCS appears to be limited to US carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon for now. Users can see the toggle button if they have the iOS 18 developer beta installed, but the feature will only work if their mobile carrier supports RCS and has updated their network bundle for iOS 18. We'll update this article when other regions support the protocol.
Apple briefly mentioned that iOS 18 would get RCS support during its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) keynote earlier this month.
“When sending messages to contacts who don't have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for media-rich and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS or MMS,” Apple said in a press release detailing iOS 18.
iPhone and Android users have long been calling on Apple to support RCS, which makes it easier to share messages and information no matter what device you're using, and Google has also been pushing Apple for years to break down the divide between the blue and green bubbles.
The developer beta also introduced the ability to mirror your iPhone onto your Mac display.