Apple Introduces RCS Messaging in iOS 18, Enhancing iPhone-Android Communication

Apple's adoption of the RCS standard improves cross-platform messaging but leaves some security concerns unresolved.

Apple's iOS 18 update includes support for Rich Communication Services (RCS), modernizing text messaging between iPhones and Android devices.
RCS brings features like higher resolution media, larger file sharing, read receipts, and typing indicators to non-iMessage conversations.
Despite the upgrades, RCS messages between iPhone and Android users are not end-to-end encrypted, unlike iMessage.
Apple's decision to implement RCS follows years of pressure from Google and potential regulatory scrutiny in various countries.
While RCS improves the texting experience, it does not match the seamless security of dedicated messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal.