The article discusses the transition from SMS to RCS (Rich Communication Services) with the arrival of iOS 18. SMS, a long-standing messaging technology, is becoming obsolete due to its limitations. RCS introduces modern features, enhancing user experience across platforms. While RCS is supported by all Android operators and some iPhone carriers like SFR, it lacks built-in end-to-end encryption. Despite the decline of SMS, it will still exist for certain functions, with RCS expected to dominate future personal communications.
With the launch of iOS 18, Apple has taken a significant step towards phasing out SMS. Originally introduced in 1989, this legacy text messaging technology is now on the brink of obsolescence after a surprisingly lengthy lifespan in the mobile arena.
The new contender for SMS is RCS, which stands for Rich Communication Services. Having been in development since 2007, RCS gained traction in 2019, propelled by Google’s advocacy. This innovative technology modernizes text messaging by integrating features previously reserved for popular messaging apps such as iMessage, WhatsApp, and others.
Why Transition from SMS and MMS?
SMS and MMS have become outdated systems. They are insecure, restricted to 160 characters, and fail to meet modern communication standards—such as file attachments, typing indicators, read receipts, and group chats. Despite their continued use by billions, their relevance has diminished significantly since the 2010s.
In Europe, where a majority of smartphone users have shifted to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Messenger, the potential elimination of SMS is unlikely to disrupt established habits. RCS, however, promises to enhance communication between phone numbers, functioning equally well on both iOS and Android devices.
Benefits of RCS Compared to SMS and MMS
RCS offers numerous advancements over traditional SMS/MMS:
This evolution in text messaging signals a substantial upgrade, placing text messaging on par with iMessage, thereby ushering SMS into a new era.
Does RCS Work with All Carriers?
When RCS was introduced, the GSMA envisioned that mobile operators would implement the technology by establishing their own messaging servers. Unfortunately, many carriers hesitated due to the technical complexities and a desire to continue profiting from SMS and MMS.
To expedite the process, Google stepped in. If a carrier does not support RCS, Google provides the necessary infrastructure via its own servers. Conversely, when a carrier like SFR in France has its own RCS servers, it manages message delivery.
For Apple, however, it is the carriers that must handle everything. While Apple offers iMessage, it has not set up RCS servers. Therefore, if a carrier is not equipped for RCS, its customers cannot send or receive RCS messages.
Which French Carriers Support RCS?
On Android devices, all carriers are compatible with RCS.
As of October 2024, only SFR supports RCS on iPhones. Orange, Free Mobile, and Bouygues Mobile have all indicated that they are working on RCS implementation, but MVNOs like Prixtel and CIC Mobile might take longer.
How to Activate RCS on Your Smartphone
Activating RCS on Android
On Android, RCS operates regardless of the carrier. Simply open the Google Messages app, tap your profile picture, select the Settings option, and then navigate to Chat features. It’s typically enabled by default, but it’s worth verifying.
Activating RCS on iOS (iPhone)
To enable RCS on an iPhone, first ensure your device is updated to iOS 18. Then, navigate to Settings, scroll down to Apps, select Messages, and then RCS Service. This option will appear only if your carrier is compatible.
Important: RCS Is Not End-to-End Encrypted by Default
While RCS is more advanced than SMS or MMS, it is only moderately secure. It allows for message signing to reduce fraud risks and gives operators the power to ban numbers from their servers.
However, RCS lacks default end-to-end encryption, a feature found in services like iMessage and WhatsApp, which leaves private messages vulnerable to interception. Google has introduced its own RCS encryption for Android devices, but Apple has refrained from adding encryption, awaiting advancements in the RCS standard that may take years.
Is SMS Going Extinct?
Take iPhones, for example. When you enter a phone number into the Messages app in iOS 18, the system considers two options:
Between two iPhones, iMessage is prioritized. Between an iPhone and an