In the past few years, Rich Communication Services (RCS) has slowly but surely gained traction as the universal cross-platform messaging solution we’ve been waiting for. As we’re seeing with this new wave of iOS 18 beta 3 users, access is only improving, and new functional extensions occasionally arrive to polish the experience. That’s just the sort of progress we’re seeing now with the publication of the latest RCS specs, which include threaded replies, message editing, and reactions across platforms.
These specs will standardize how emoji reactions appear for all users. People can even upload custom images to react with. Threaded replies aim to organize chaotic group chats. And an editing toolset gives you the flexibility to fix mistakes or delete regrets.
Under the hood changes like authentication updates and expanded spam controls were also added. But the cross-platform reactions, replies and edits seem the most exciting for users. So when will phones fully support these great upgrades? Only time will tell – RCS has spread slowly so far. But defining the standards is the critical first step, even if waiting for implementation feels endless.
The potential is there for RCS to unify messaging at last. But will phones really start using these new powers anytime soon? Only continued progress will convince diehard iMessage fans to switch over.
