Apple finally adds RCS support in latest iOS 18 beta; green bubbles persist

After subtly teasing us with the RCS support during the WWDC keynote earlier this month, Apple has finally delivered on the promise of integrating Rich Communication Services (RCS) into the Messages app.

This long-awaited feature arrives as part of the second iOS 18 developer beta released earlier this week. This is a huge step towards a more unified messaging experience between Android and iOS.

For too long, Apple users have been stuck with basic SMS/MMS when chatting with Android users or the exclusive iMessage. Now, with RCS, iPhone users can enjoy a more seamless and feature-rich messaging experience with Android users.

RCS, a significant upgrade over traditional SMS/MMS messaging, brings us high-resolution image and file sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and improved group chat functionality.

The official press release detailing iOS 18 stated, "When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS."

Despite the RCS integration, Apple is not yielding its longstanding identifier for non-iMessage conversations. The infamous green bubbles that show up in non-iMessage conversations aren't going anywhere and will persist for Android messages. 

That said, the development is still a major win in Google's fight pushing Apple to break the messaging divide for years. For years, the tech giant has advocated for RCS adoption, aiming to bridge the communication gap created by the "blue bubble" versus "green bubble" divide. While the green bubbles are still very much around, Android users will definitely take this win.

RCS support is currently rolling out to some users on U.S. carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, so you might not see it immediately even if you're on the iOS 18 beta 2. The feature is expected to be available to everyone when iOS 18 leaves beta and launches to the public this fall.