After years of resistance, Apple has finally made an important decision. It is replacing SMS (Short Message Service) with RCS (Rich Communication Services) on its iPhones. This transition marks a turning point in the way we communicate via mobile devices. Discover here the essentials to know about RCS, what it involves, and its advantages. Focus!
What is the origin of this decision?
The origin of Apple’s decision to replace SMS with RCS goes back to the need to improve the messaging experience for users. Indeed, Apple SMS is an old technology and limited in terms of features. By integrating RCS, the brand gives itself the possibility of offering features similar to those of iMessage while being compatible with Android users.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Google has put considerable pressure on Apple as a promoter of RCS. The famous search engine has not hesitated to push the Californian brand towards this new technology. In 2022, for example, it created a dedicated web page called Get the Message to ask Apple to adopt RCS.
It is also important to know that the European Union encourages interoperability between messaging platforms to promote competition and protect consumer rights. This double pressure has led Apple to integrate RCS into its devices. This offers a modern alternative to traditional SMS.
What is RCS?
RCS is a messaging format that uses the Internet instead of the traditional telephone network. Unlike SMS, RCS offers advanced features. With this new application, you get delivery and read receipts, a real-time typing indicator, and the ability to share multimedia elements in high quality.
It can thus be understood that RCS brings classic messaging applications closer to a model similar to WhatsApp.
What are the advantages of RCS?
Proclaimed successor to SMS, RCS offers several advantages over the latter. It allows for fluid and rich group conversations. The application also promotes the sharing of photos, videos and attachments in high definition.
It also lets you know when your message has been received and read. You can even see when the recipient is typing their reply. In addition, you can share your geographic location in real-time.
Similarly, RCS now supports encrypted messages, providing increased security compared to traditional SMS. It also enables free international communication via Wi-Fi or 4G without depending on the operator. In addition to encryption, RCS enhances message security by:
- Sender authentication;
- Permissions management;
- Spam protection.
Apple adopted RCS to provide a modern alternative to SMS for iPhone users while continuing to favor iMessage for a secure experience between Apple devices.
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