RCS Coming to Messages in iOS 18 for Improved Texts With Android Users

[xpxp2002]

Ability to send messages over cellular or Wi-Fi (SMS is cellular only). There is no cost to send an RCS message over Wi-Fi.

Most carriers support SMS over Wi-Fi as a part of their Wi-Fi calling implementation. The IMS gateway is available for voice and SMS services.

I've read mixed reports of MMS over Wi-Fi not working with some carriers, but this is more likely a misconfiguration of their IMS infrastructure or carrier profile.

 

[truthsteve]

If you did not have a carrier then you cannot make a phone call. What's your point? It is the replacement to basic SMS text messaging...

the "solution" creates more problems than it solves. garbage protocol.

 

[truthsteve]

Because it very clear you have no idea what RCS is or how it works.

wrong. I fully understand the protocol. I'm willing to bet you didn't even read the entire universal profile spec did you

 

[ProbablyDylan]

the "solution" creates more problems than it solves. garbage protocol.

What problems? Are they in the room with us right now?

 

[Cryates]

wrong. I fully understand the protocol. I'm willing to bet you didn't even read the entire universal profile spec did you

Okay now you’re just flexing

 

[truthsteve]

I still fail to see how RCS is locked-in

it's locked-in to a carrier because RCS requires a carrier to work.

similarly, Telegram app is locked into Telegram. X's DMs is locked into X.

I don't see how I can explain this any simpler.

 

[Superhai]

Telegram is free and available on all major platforms. I'd gladly be locked into Telegram or other major communications platform over a phone carrier any day.

RCS is only available on certain platforms and requires $$$.

Ah. So I can connect to Telegram without using any provider, just cancel all cell and ISP subscriptions? It radiates out of my phone for free?

 

[Entilzha]

if something is equally terrible, why would you add another equally terrible feature for people to learn?

…there’s no “learning” it’s just there. It should be transparent.

 

[LV426]

I'll take RCS over SMS any day!

Especially over MMS. Where you get badly stung in the UK for daring to send a photo that way.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

similarly, Telegram app is locked into Telegram. X's DMs is locked into X.

So telegram is worse, since it needs a phone number from a carrier AND the telegram app. It's more locked in than RCS at that point - now you're at the mercy of TWO companies!

 

[Entilzha]

it's locked-in to a carrier because RCS requires a carrier to work.

similarly, Telegram app is locked into Telegram. X's DMs is locked into X.

I don't see how I can explain this any simpler.

…doesn’t SMS also require a carrier/google voice/etc?

Really not seeing where you’re going with this. Cell phone service requires SOME kind of carrier/provider.

 

[truthsteve]

I literally only quoted your messages. Please elaborate.

you quoted two messages from me that didn't talk about SMS. you brought up SMS. what?

you're trying to make sound as if SMS is THE one and only solution. I did not really say anything to that effect.

 

[TheMacDaddy1]

The European Union. They effectively forced Apple's hand to support it.

I thank them everyday. So many common things that are nothing but good, like USB-C and RCS. Apple would NEVER do this for their customers, unless they were forced to do so.

 

[TheMacDaddy1]

I don't even know any Android users.

You need to get out more. At my company, in IT (my job), easily 50% of IT people are on Android. Primarily Samsung and Pixel. Our security team is all Android. On the network team (me) its like 80% Android. You can simply do more on the device.

 

[truthsteve]

What problems? Are they in the room with us right now?

more unknowns that a user needs to learn per carrier that they signed up for. not all carriers supporting RCS universal profile support the same exact features which leads to a disconnect on what features are available when you talk to XYZ person.

 

[tehabe]

you listed two examples that involves carriers. you are relying on those carriers to be able to communicate. and you're asking where is the lock in?

RCS is like SMS or MMS before, it is a service offered by the carriers. And there are a few to choose from. My current one doesn't support MMS but RCS. iMessage depends on a third party, just like WhatsApp or Signal. I wonder if relying on a postal service to sent a letter is also a lock in?

 

[truthsteve]

Okay now you’re just flexing

just stating facts.

 

[minimo3]

I for one am glad that all 4 people worldwide who care about/will use this will finally get what they’ve been eagerly waiting instead of just installing an alternative messaging app like the rest of us

 

[truthsteve]

Ah. So I can connect to Telegram without using any provider, just cancel all cell and ISP subscriptions? It radiates out of my phone for free?

when you travel internationally, it just still works using a free public wifi typically found at airports and coffee shops. it's pretty simple. RCS? maybe, maybe not. it's a cluster****.

hope that helps.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

more unknowns that a user needs to learn per carrier that they signed up for. not all carriers supporting RCS universal profile support the same exact features which leads to a disconnect on what features are available when you talk to XYZ person.

Not really though. The button for whatever is unsupported will just be hidden / grayed out, just like the video chat option is in SMS chats. It's not any bit more confusing than SMS.

 

[tehabe]

In the UK at least you can port your number, and to use a cellphone you really should need a service provider, otherwise even iMessage won't work.

In Germany too, and I think it is free now. Just switched carriers and kept my number.

 

[truthsteve]

…there’s no “learning” it’s just there. It should be transparent.

it should be, but it's not.

native video calling features? who knows. at one point, T-Mobile implemented a native RCS video calling feature that only works with other T-Mobile RCS users and maybe Verizon. you'll need to learn who can and who can't you call depending on other people's carrier selection.

Telegram, it just works.

 

[carestudio]

Did Craig mention about the message color from RCS? please keep it green.

 

[truthsteve]

It is, you're right.

Of course. Moving on.

 

[Cryates]

Did Craig mention about the message color from RCS? please keep it green.

Ask truthsteve how it’s written in the universal profile spec.