Apple finally adds support for rich communication services to its Messages app. It arrived, you'll recall, as part of the second developer beta of iOS 18 earlier this week.

RCS is a messaging protocol that uses the internet instead of the old carrier-based methods. Now it lets you send and receive files and high-quality images, see typing indicators, get read receipts, start group chats-and more. To date, iPhone users could only send SMS or MMS messages from the Messages app to people who did not have an Apple device. You could share media, get read receipts, and use other features only with other Apple device users by using iMessage. iPhone users can finally start texting and sharing files with anyone using a device that supports RCS-this includes most Android phones.

However, messages coming from Android devices will still be displayed with a green bubble.

Apparently, that's not going to be a problem on US carriers, such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon, at the very least. Users can see the toggle if they have installed iOS 18 developer beta installed already, but it only works if their carrier supports RCS and the mobile carrier has updated their network bundle for iOS 18. We'll update this story if and when we hear of the protocol being supported elsewhere.

Among other things, Apple briefly mentions that a new version of iOS 18 will offer support for RCS during its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) keynote earlier this month.

"Of course 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," added Apple in the press release detailing iOS 18.

For years, iPhone and Android users alike have been pleading with Apple to turn the switch on RCS, making it way easier to message and share things with people regardless of what device they use. Years of pushing Apple to break the blue and green bubble divide have also had applied effects for Google.

Developer beta brought the ability to mirror iPhones on Mac displays.