Apple adds RCS and satellite capabilities to iPhone Messages with iOS 18
Apple unveiled iOS 18, the next-generation of its operating system for iPhone, at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on Monday. Along with a host of new features like Home Screen customization, Apple Intelligence, and improvements to Control Center, the Cupertino-based tech giant also introduced two new features for the Messages app: support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) and new satellite capabilities. While the former was announced earlier, satellite capabilities come as a way for iPhone users to stay in touch with friends and family even in the absence of cellular connectivity.
Apple Integrates RCS with Messages App
For years, Google and Samsung have been pushing Apple to implement the RCS standard in its messaging platform. RCS, which is supported by the GSM Association, is a messaging system that is considered the successor to SMS. Thanks to end-to-end encryption, it is more secure than SMS, offers support for high-resolution photos and videos, and shows chat indicators.
After a long hiatus from embracing the technology, the iPhone maker finally announced in November 2023 that it would integrate RCS into the iPhone. The company has now made the announcement concrete by confirming that iOS 18 will include a number of RCS features.
Apple Showcases RCS Integration in iPhone
Photo Credit: Apple
However, Apple has not revealed what these features could be. In its press releaseThere is a single mention of the feature that states, “RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging brings richer media and delivery and read receipts for those who don’t use iMessage.” While this confirms read receipts and likely supports sharing of high-resolution media, the rest of the features remain unconfirmed.
Messages app gets satellite capabilities with iOS 18
Another interesting feature coming with iOS 18 is the Satellite feature in the Messages app. This allows users who don’t have cell service to send and receive text messages, emojis, and Tapbacks via iMessage and SMS. This feature allows users who are traveling off-grid to still stay in touch with their friends and family. This feature will be available on iPhone 14 and later when the iOS 18 update arrives.
Additionally, the Messages app is also getting a new message scheduling feature, allowing users to send a text at any time. New animated message effects and formatting options were also added with iOS 18.
