Apple Reportedly Brings RCS Messaging Support to Canada, Spain and Other Countries With iOS 18 Developer Beta 3

Apple has expanded the assist for RCS (Rich Communication Services) to Canada, Spain, France, and different international locations, weeks after introducing it within the US, as per a report. For years, the Cupertino-based tech large confronted flak from its rivals, which primarily comprised Android smartphone makers, for not supporting this comparatively new messaging commonplace and prioritising its proprietary iMessage service as a substitute. At the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, Apple lastly revealed that it could be introducing assist for RCS beginning with iOS 18 – its new working system replace for the iPhone.

RCS Messaging Expanded

According to a 9to5Mac report, RCS messaging is now accessible in Canada, France, Germany, and Spain following the rollout of iOS 18 Developer Beta 3 on Monday. Consequently, it now helps extra carriers too. In Canada, Videotron, Telus Mobility and Bell are reported to assist RCS, whereas customers in France might be able to entry it with SFR. O2 and Telefonica are additionally stated to deliver RCS assist in Germany and Spain respectively.

This improvement comes weeks after Apple launched RCS assist within the US with the iOS 18 Developer Beta 2 replace. A brand new toggle for the characteristic was reported within the iPhone’s settings. While the characteristic was suspected to be nonetheless inactive, customers on social media claimed they’ll now entry it. Messages despatched with RCS seem to have an RCS banner inside the chat window.

In the US, solely three carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are stated to assist the RCS messaging commonplace, which was developed by Google.

Notably, RCS is a messaging protocol that’s claimed to deliver higher interoperability for cross-platform messaging, supporting GSMA’s Universal Profile. According to Google, it offers higher options in comparison with commonplace SMS, with customers having the choice to share high-resolution media and bigger information. It additionally brings typing indicators, the flexibility to make video calls and an improved group chat expertise.

While RCS messaging will be performed utilizing the default message app on smartphones, it additionally works with the Google Messages app, if the previous doesn’t have assist for RCS. As of 2020, RCS is claimed to assist 90 telecom operators throughout 60 international locations.

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