The biggest updates coming to Apple’s iMessage and its Messages app in iOS 18 aren’t its AI emoji, Genmoji, or even the ability to send texts via satellite. The most significant changes are the ability to finally schedule messages to send at a later date and time, as well as support for RCS, the next-gen messaging standard that will make texting with Android users much less painful.
Long-Awaited Features Finally Arrive
Scheduling Messages
For years, consumer demand for scheduling messages has led developers to create complicated and cumbersome workarounds, such as apps that remind users via push notifications to send a text or solutions that only worked on jailbroken iPhones. With iOS 18, Apple will offer the ability to schedule messages to be sent later as a built-in functionality.
This feature received only a brief mention at WWDC 2024. In Apple’s press release, it was announced alongside the Tapbacks upgrade, which now includes support for any emoji or sticker in iOS 18. Despite its understated introduction, the scheduling feature is expected to be a welcome addition for business users and anyone who remembers important messages late at night. Beyond simplifying life, this feature can help ensure timely birthday greetings and messages across different time zones.
RCS Support
Of even greater importance is the Messages app’s support for RCS, the messaging standard and replacement for SMS that will address many of the grievances of texting Android users. For a long time, Google has urged Apple to adopt the standard, which would improve the communication experience between Android and iOS users.
Historically, Apple’s refusal to support RCS meant no typing indicators or read receipts, broken group chats, and blurry photos and videos when texting Android users. It also meant that messages were not end-to-end encrypted as they are on iMessage. However, Apple has now decided to support RCS, likely influenced by regulatory scrutiny and lawmakers’ interest in Apple's practices.
Impact on User Experience
Enhanced Communication
The introduction of RCS will significantly improve the communication experience between iOS and Android users. Although messages sent via RCS will still appear as green bubbles on Apple devices, the text box will indicate support for both “Text message + RCS.” This change aims to address issues that have long plagued Apple’s customers when texting Android users.
Richer Media and Group Messaging
Apple’s support for RCS will allow for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS. While end-to-end encryption (E2EE) won’t be supported out of the gate, Apple intends to work with the GSMA to add support for E2EE in the Universal Profile for RCS in the future.
Editor's Comments
The updates to Apple’s Messages app in iOS 18 mark a significant shift in how users will communicate daily. The ability to schedule messages and the support for RCS are long-overdue features that will enhance user experience and bridge the gap between iOS and Android messaging. These changes reflect Apple’s response to consumer demand and regulatory pressures, ultimately benefiting users across both platforms.
Follow Us on Facebook
