Apple’s iOS 18 iMessage and Messages app updates bring major improvements. You can now schedule messages for later and use RCS (Rich Communication Services). These enhancements are available in the iOS 18 public beta and promise to transform your daily communication.
AI emojis, Genmoji, and satellite texting are exciting, but the real game-changers are message scheduling and RCS support. Although these features were briefly mentioned at WWDC 2024 amid many AI announcements and UI tweaks, they will significantly impact daily conversations.
Users have long demanded message scheduling, often using complicated workarounds like reminder apps or jailbreak solutions. iOS 18 iMessage and Messages updates finally include this feature, letting you schedule messages directly within the app. This long-awaited addition will benefit both business owners and night owls. You can send messages at the perfect time without disturbing recipients in different time zones.
The new RCS support in the Messages app addresses frustrations when texting Android users. Google’s push for Apple to adopt RCS has exposed gaps in communication between iOS and Android. These gaps include missing typing indicators, read receipts, and end-to-end encryption. Influenced by regulatory scrutiny and legislative pressure, Apple’s updates mark a major step toward better interoperability.
RCS messages will still appear as green bubbles on Apple devices. However, this standard will fix issues like broken group chats and poor-quality media. Apple plans to work with GSMA to add end-to-end encryption for RCS in the future.
The iMessage and Messages app updates, briefly noted in Apple’s press release, offer significant improvements. With richer media and more reliable group messaging, iOS 18 enhances communication across platforms. This update is a must-have for all Apple users.
So, whether you need to send a perfectly timed “Happy Birthday!” or text Android friends without feeling stuck in 1999, the iOS 18 iMessage and Messages app updates have you covered. Embrace the future of messaging with iOS 18 and let scheduling and RCS support change how you communicate.