Yesterday Apple announced that next year it will add support for the new RCS to iOS, which is the standard that replaces SMS and MMS.
We long ago abandoned support for this standard due to its reduced security for iMessage. Tim Cook, in one of the questions about the implementation of RCS, even advised buying an iPhone if you want to chat with friends.
Cupertino residents have even been monitoring other company technologies for many years, launching large advertising campaigns to promote the new standard at Apple. Google even opened a new website in honor of this.
And so the apple company finally gave in. We’ll tell you what’s happening to you RCS.
What is SMS as a standard communication
SMS does not use IP and does not require access to Wi-Fi or mobile Internet. Instead, SMS messages are sent directly over the cellular network, just like voice calls.
An SMS update called Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) provides picture, audio, and video transmission. MMS uses the same protocols and transmission methods as SMS. That is, at the moment there is almost no protection.
In addition, the significant load limits on MMS messages are set much higher for larger file sizes with less content. MMS is advantageously built in when cellular voice access is available, but IP services are not.
But in 2023, probably no one will receive MMS. SMS is needed for those who do not receive instant messengers.
What kind of new standard is this?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an industrial communication standard that was introduced as a universal replacement for SMS messages.
The concept of RCS is simple: the technology provides the same communication functions, such as group chats, sending photos or videos, with the high technology, read and exchange protocols found in the most popular communication services based on Internet data transmission.
The standard was adopted in 2008, the first version was released in 2012. However, due to the promotion, many users were unaware of its existence. Only in recent years has Google begun to actively promote the requirements.
Advantages and disadvantages
The only downside to SMS under the new standard is that you cannot send messages or any content without the Internet.
Here are the advantages of RCS:
▪️ you can send as many characters as you like (maximum 160 in SMS)
▪️ you can send any media content, including photos, videos, music, GIF and so on; they can all be higher resolution
▪️ is it possible to read your message to the person?
▪️ cross-platform (you can write on a device with different operating systems)
▪️ you can see when a person types something to you (a special “bubble” or inscription will appear, like in iMessage)
▪️ you can create group chats
▪️ provide the ability to geoposition
▪️ for business there are also advantages in the form of business accounts, for example, there will be an up-to-date delivery status of your order
▪️ this FOR FREEyou don’t have to pay for every message sent
In general, RCS are the same instant messengers or iMessage, but for the entire smartphone market.
Is there any downside to this standard? Of course, yes, and not in terms of SMS, but in general. RCS does not support double encryption support (at least for now), so your messages aren’t that secure.
The sent data is encrypted. However, operators can access them and, upon request, convey the rules provided for by the regulations.
Plus, RCS does not synchronize data between devices. To access, for example, from a browser, you need to scan the QR code from your smartphone.
Where is RCS already available?
All smartphones using Android 5.0 and higher support the new standard. It is initially provided by Google, and then only the manufacturer decides whether to activate it or not.
Well-known devices also have support from Samsung, starting with the Galaxy S8 series.
Currently, RCS chats work with the default (primary) SIM card. Support for other SIM cards may appear later.
You can easily check if you have this feature.
1. Application for car transportation Messages.
2. In the upper right corner of the remote, click on the photo or profile icon, and then the item. Message Settings.
3. Click RCS Chats.
4. Enable or disable RCS chats.
If you don’t have a parameter RCS chatsPress Chat features.
Do RCS messages work in Russia?
Yes and no. And the functionality of this service is severely limited due to American sanctions.
Thus, they officially announced support for RCS in MTS back in 2022 only on selected Samsung models (current list here). That’s all.
It is unknown whether other operators will try to implement RCS in the near future. And is it better for them to do this at all?
Source: Iphones RU
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
