Android and iPhone users can finally exchange messages directly via RCS.
For what seemed like eons, owners of iPhone and Android smartphones are now permitted to directly send and receive messages using native support. No, this isn’t about third-party SNS apps available on the App Store or Play Store.
Courtesy of the newest iOS 18, the update enhanced the Rich Communication Services (RCS) on iPhones so users can enjoy better messaging and cross the bridge to Android users. RCS is an enhanced SMS/MMS that comes with your default messaging app, like Google Messages.
Speaking of Google Messages, RCS has been available by Google since 2019 that lets users exchange SMS and MMS on the same app without the typical cost of sending a text. This works regardless of the phone brand.
That said, RCS utilizes the internet to send and receive messages and avoid unnecessary charges. If disconnected, the messaging app will notify the user to send their message as normal SMS or MMS. All messages on Google Messages are encrypted.
If you’re on iPhone, make sure to update it to iOS 18 to get the RCS perk. When you send messages to your friend using an Android phone, you should see “Text Message RCS” on the input field.
Have you tried the new RCS of iOS 18?
