How Apple’s support for RCS could transform messaging

in Apple’s iOS 18 update is an important step. It helps create a unified messaging system.

The integration of RCS (Rich Communication Services) in Apple’s iOS 18 update is a significant step. It helps create a unified messaging system. RCS has long been seen as the missing link between Apple and Android users.

It allows for richer and more interactive communication. This benefits both personal and business messaging. For businesses in Australia and New Zealand, this update brings new ways to connect with customers and improve engagement.

Apple embraces RCS for richer messaging

Apple's choice to support RCS means iPhone users can now enjoy features like high-resolution media sharing. They can also see and read receipts and use interactive elements like buttons and carousels when talking to Android devices. RCS works as a backup to iMessage. It connects different platforms and provides a smooth messaging experience. RCS is more flexible than SMS.

When will iOS RCS be available?

The rollout of RCS (Rich Communication Services) on iOS began with the iOS 18 beta, introduced at the 2024 Worldwide Developers Conference. While a broader release is expected by late 2024, support from carriers in Australia and New Zealand remains limited.

According to recent reports, major Australian carriers such as Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone have yet to enable RCS functionality for iPhone users. Similarly, carriers in New Zealand, including Spark and Vodafone NZ, have not officially confirmed support.​

This delay could be due to the need for carriers to align their infrastructure with the requirements for RCS or gauge market demand before implementing this feature. In contrast, carriers in other regions, such as the United States, have already adopted RCS for iPhone users, showcasing the protocol's potential for enriched messaging experiences.​

For businesses and users in Australia and New Zealand, staying informed about carrier updates is essential, as RCS offers significant opportunities for improved communication and customer engagement. As more carriers enable this technology, the transition from SMS to RCS could reshape messaging standards in these markets.

How RCS enhances business messaging

For businesses, RCS opens the door to more interactive and engaging messaging campaigns. Businesses can use clickable buttons, carousels, and high-quality images or videos. These tools help create messages that are more engaging than just plain text.

Imagine sending a promotional message that allows customers to browse a product catalogue or confirm an appointment directly in the conversation. These interactive elements make it easier for customers to act on your messages, improving engagement rates and driving better results.

With RCS, businesses in ANZ can also take advantage of real-time insights, including read receipts and interaction tracking. This means you can measure the success of your campaigns and refine your messaging strategy to meet customer needs. The integration of RCS into Apple’s ecosystem ensures that businesses can reach both iPhone and Android users with the same level of sophistication, making it easier to create a unified customer experience.

Why Apple decided to support RCS

Apple’s move to adopt RCS is driven by the increasing popularity of this protocol in the telecom industry. Previously, iPhone users communicating with Android devices were limited to basic SMS functionality, which lacked the interactivity and engagement that modern messaging demands.

By integrating RCS, Apple ensures its users enjoy a more enriched, secure messaging experience while improving communication between platforms.

For businesses, this means reaching a wider audience without compromising on quality. Given the high mobile penetration in ANZ, Apple’s RCS support encourages more companies to adopt this protocol for both promotional and operational messaging.

Common use cases for RCS

RCS is already transforming messaging across various industries:

Retail: Share interactive promotions where customers can browse products directly in the message.

Healthcare: Send appointment reminders with options to confirm or reschedule in real time.

Financial Services: Offer secure two-factor authentication and real-time account updates.

These examples show how RCS can make communication more dynamic, improving customer experiences and streamlining operations.

How RCS improves the messaging experience

The shift from SMS to RCS is akin to upgrading from static to dynamic messaging. With features like rich media, interactive buttons, and real-time feedback, RCS delivers a more engaging experience for both personal and business communication.

For businesses in Australia and New Zealand, RCS offers:

Enhanced security: Features like sender verification make it ideal for sensitive communications.

Unified messaging: Reach both Android and iPhone users with the same level of sophistication.

Seamless integration: Compatibility with existing marketing tools makes RCS easy to adopt.

Time to transform your strategy for iOS RCS

The introduction of RCS in iOS 18 changes how businesses and customers interact. Enabling richer, more interactive communication creates opportunities to strengthen customer relationships and build campaigns that drive results.

To explore how RCS can enhance your business messaging, learn more about its features and practical applications, and connect with Kudosity to get started with RCS messaging.

Looking for other ways to communicate with your customers? Kudosity provides a range of messaging solutions. If interested in joining RCS beta testing register your interest, WhatsApp and MMS solutions can open up the possibilities of your communication.