Apple surprised the tech industry recently by announcing its plans to support the Rich Communications Services (RCS) Universal Profile on iOS in 2024. While many speculated on the reasoning behind this move, it appears that the driving force behind Apple’s adoption of RCS might be the regulatory landscape in China.
Tech analyst John Gruber has suggested that Apple’s decision to integrate RCS into iOS is primarily influenced by Chinese regulations. In July 2023, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology sought feedback on rules related to the development of 5G messaging. These regulations aimed to promote collaboration between networks and support the large-scale adoption of RCS.
The relevant section of the Chinese regulation emphasizes the need for mobile phone manufacturers to upgrade their devices to support 5G messaging (RCS). It also encourages manufacturers to implement RCS support for existing 5G mobile phone models through product system upgrades.
RCS brings several enhancements to messaging experiences, such as typing indicators, read receipts, high-resolution photos and videos, and improved controls for group conversations. Google has already committed to working with Apple to implement RCS.
However, one notable difference between Apple’s implementation of RCS and Google’s offering on Android is the level of encryption. Apple has expressed its intention to collaborate with the GSM Association to add strong encryption to RCS messages. In contrast, Google’s Messages app provides its own end-to-end encryption for both one-on-one and group conversations. Apple’s Messages app will display RCS messages in green, similar to SMS.
Although it remains unclear whether Apple plans to introduce RCS in an upcoming iOS 17.x update or wait until iOS 18 in the fall, it is evident that the Chinese regulations have played a significant role in Apple’s decision to embrace this messaging technology. By aligning with the regulatory landscape in China, Apple aims to deliver an enhanced messaging experience to its Chinese user base while complying with the country’s requirements for 5G messaging.
FAQ:
Q: What is Apple’s plan regarding Rich Communications Services (RCS) on iOS?
A: Apple has announced its plans to support RCS Universal Profile on iOS in 2024.
Q: Why did Apple decide to integrate RCS into iOS?
A: The decision is primarily influenced by Chinese regulations. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in China sought feedback on rules related to the development of 5G messaging, encouraging collaboration between networks and the adoption of RCS.
Q: What are the enhancements that RCS brings to messaging experiences?
A: RCS brings typing indicators, read receipts, high-resolution photos and videos, and improved controls for group conversations.
Q: How does Apple’s implementation of RCS differ from Google’s offering on Android?
A: One notable difference is the level of encryption. Apple intends to collaborate with the GSM Association to add strong encryption to RCS messages, while Google’s Messages app provides its own end-to-end encryption for both one-on-one and group conversations.
Q: When will Apple introduce RCS on iOS?
A: The timing is unclear, whether it will be in an upcoming iOS 17.x update or iOS 18 in the fall.
Definitions:
– Rich Communications Services (RCS): A communication protocol that brings enhanced messaging features to smartphones, including typing indicators, read receipts, and group conversations controls.
– Chinese regulations: Rules issued by the Chinese government to govern various industries and technologies within the country.
– 5G messaging: Messaging services and capabilities that utilize the 5G network infrastructure.
– Encryption: The process of encoding information to make it inaccessible to unauthorized parties.
The source of the article is from the blog girabetim.com.br