iOS 18.4’s Messages app adds RCS features for lots of new users

Source: https://9to5mac.com/2025/04/01/ios-184s-messages-app-adds-rcs-features-for-lot-of-new-users/
Summary
iOS 18.4 significantly improves iPhone-Android messaging by adopting RCS. This update replaces outdated SMS/MMS, enabling high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, improved group chats, Wi-Fi messaging, enhanced encryption, and better file/location sharing. This addresses long-standing frustrations with cross-platform communication's limitations. For most users, RCS will be enabled automatically, falling back to SMS/MMS if the recipient lacks RCS. Apple's move, likely influenced by user demand and regulation, fosters competition and could lead to RCS becoming the dominant messaging protocol, promoting increased connectivity and understanding across device ecosystems.