Apple Announces Surprise New iPhone Move In a surprising development, Apple has made an announcement that it will be embracing the rich communication services messaging standard for all iPhones. As part of a software update expected to roll out in 2024, RCS will be implemented, potentially within a matter of months. This decision marks a significant shift for Apple, as they have previously resisted the pressure to adopt this messaging standard. RCS enables seamless messaging between iPhone and Android users while providing enhanced security compared to SMS. Interestingly, Apple CEO Tim Cook had previously dismissed the idea of adopting RCS messaging in 2022. He had suggested that iPhone users experiencing green bubbles when texting with Android devices should simply purchase an iPhone for their mothers.
What has caused the change? There are a few factors, one of which is regulation. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has put pressure on Apple. As part of this legislation, Apple’s iMessage service was going to be classified as a gatekeeper and there was a specific requirement for messaging interconnection. Dario Betti, CEO of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum, states that “Apple would have been compelled to introduce a service similar to RCS regardless.”
According to Betti, user experience is a crucial consideration when it comes to advanced messaging and the interconnection of SMS/MMS. He states that Apple has found this interconnection to be unsustainable due to the advancements in messaging technology. However, Betti believes that even if it’s only for non-iOS users, Apple should still support an evolution of SMS.
Apple Announces Surprise New iPhone Move
Apple has recently declared that it will be incorporating the rich communication services (RCS) messaging standard for all iPhones, a move that surprised many. The company stated that RCS will be available as part of a software update in 2024, implying that it could arrive sooner than expected. The decision to adopt RCS is significant as it will enable iPhone users to access advanced messaging features such as read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality multimedia sharing. This shift is likely to have a significant impact on the mobile messaging landscape and further integrate Apple’s devices with other RCS-enabled platforms.
Apple Doubles Down On iMessage—But RCS Is Good For PR
Apple has confirmed that iMessage will remain the primary mode of communication for connecting iPhone users, while RCS will be implemented separately. This decision does not signify Apple’s intention to make iMessage available on other platforms.
According to Apple, iMessage is considered to be highly secure due to its end-to-end encryption. This means that not even Apple has access to your messages, ensuring complete privacy. Furthermore, Apple has recently enhanced the security of iMessage by implementing Advanced Data Protection for Messages in iCloud.
New Announcement According to Betti
According to Betti, the announcement is a “politically balanced approach” that does not overly praise the new technology. It emphasizes that Apple will continue to focus on its successful Apple-to-Apple messaging platform, iMessage. In addition, Apple’s unexpected move with the iPhone helps improve its image in terms of security. The company aims to be perceived as adopting and contributing to industry standards, positioning itself as a significant player in the community. Apple is already actively promoting the adoption of Passkey and is involved in the FIDO Alliance’s efforts to eliminate passwords.
Update By Jake Moore
According to Jake Moore, a cybersecurity advisor at ESET, Apple’s decision to implement RCS is seen as advantageous for all parties involved. Although he acknowledges that modern technology should already have cross-platform communication with privacy and security as a standard feature, he believes that it is better for Apple to adopt RCS late rather than never. Moore states that RCS has the upper hand over SMS due to its ability to provide end-to-end encryption, unlike SMS which relies on outdated technology and is not secure. He finds it peculiar that Apple took so long to make this change considering how easily SMS messages can be intercepted.
New Apple RCS feature means
According to Moore, the introduction of the new Apple RCS feature means that iPhone users will benefit from having their messages to devices outside of the Apple ecosystem securely protected and kept private. Although it is not a complete integration with iMessage, which would have been excessive for Apple, this decision to support RCS is significant and advantageous for all iPhone users. Well done, Apple.
Bottom Line
Apple’s surprise announcement of a new iPhone move has generated excitement and speculation among tech enthusiasts. With the new development set to take place in 2024, Apple is once again poised to revolutionize the smartphone industry. As we eagerly await further details and specifications, it’s clear that Apple continues to push boundaries and innovate in ways that captivate consumers worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development from Apple.