What is RCS on iPhone? How to enable & use it

Rich Communication Services (RCS) was introduced to iPhones with the release of iOS 18 in late 2024, enhancing cross-platform texting between iPhones and Android devices by offering features that were previously exclusive to iMessage, such as high-resolution media, read receipts, typing indicators, and improved group chats. Unlike iMessage, RCS messages appear as green bubbles with a "Text Message - RCS" label, indicating that they are sent through the RCS protocol rather than SMS or MMS, although they lack end-to-end encryption, making them less private than iMessage. RCS is enabled by default on compatible iPhones, requiring both devices to support the protocol and a data connection for its features to function. Despite not offering the same level of privacy as iMessage, RCS provides a richer messaging experience than SMS, making it beneficial for both personal and business communications by enabling branded interactions and higher engagement through rich media and interactive elements.