iOS 18 Brings RCS to iPhones, Unifying Messaging with Galaxy Devices

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Samsung is phasing out its Messages app from Galaxy phones, replacing it with Google Messages. The move is part of a strategic push to accelerate RCS adoption, aiming to deliver a seamless messaging experience across all devices. However, the biggest obstacle to widespread RCS adoption has been Apple—until now. With the release of iOS 18, iPhones officially support RCS, paving the way for truly interoperable messaging.

RCS enables richer messaging between iPhones and Android

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a modern advanced messaging standard for mobile phones. Developed and defined by the GSM Association, Google has been pushing to make it the default messaging system on Android phones. After half-hearted support from carriers and device manufacturers, the Android maker took the matter into its own hands, delivering RCS to Android devices globally via Google Messages.

Since most Android OEMs ship their devices with Google Messages set as the default messaging app, Samsung decided to join the fun and replace its in-house Messages app with Google’s app. Apple also finally pledged support for RCS on iPhones. The long wait ended recently with the release of iOS 18. Text messaging between Android and iOS devices now offers the same set of modern features as Android-to-Android messaging.

RCS enables features like typing indicators, read receipts, and sharing of larger files. If your friend uses an iPhone, you can still enjoy these features on your Galaxy. Well, after they have updated to iOS 18 and you have switched to Google Messages. RCS also works with other messaging apps that integrate Google Messages, such as Beeper. Unfortunately, Samsung decided to retire its messaging app rather than work round the clock for full-fledged RCS support.

Written by

Sumit Adhikari

Sumit, a life-long Samsung user, is passionate about technology and has been professionally writing on tech since 2017. He’s a mathematics graduate by education and enjoys teaching basic mathematics tricks to school kids in his spare time. Sumit believes in artificial intelligence and dreams of a fully open, intelligent and connected world.

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