Tokyo, Japan – Millions of iPhone users in Japan have been enjoying RCS messaging through the +Message app for years, thanks to the collaboration of three major Japanese carriers. This advanced messaging protocol, known as Rich Communication Services, offers features like higher-quality media sharing, group messaging, and read receipts, setting it apart from traditional SMS messaging.
Apple is now set to integrate RCS support into its Messages app later this year, expanding the reach of RCS to millions of iOS users globally. This move comes after Google’s push for Apple to adopt RCS, aiming to bridge the gap between Android and iPhone users in terms of messaging capabilities. While many iPhone users are eagerly anticipating the upcoming iOS 18 update for RCS support, some have already experienced RCS unknowingly through the +Message app in Japan.
Unlike Japan, where the +Message app is widely used on both Android and iPhone devices, RCS adoption has been limited in other regions due to the lack of cross-platform support. Individual carriers in the United States like AT&T and T-Mobile have implemented their own RCS servers, but these services are not accessible to iOS users. However, the integration of RCS into Apple’s Messages app will soon enable iPhone users to communicate with Android users via RCS.
In Japan, the +Message app has garnered significant popularity, with millions of active users expected by the end of 2020. The app offers a feature-rich alternative to SMS, supporting functionalities like read receipts, file sharing, and group messaging. With Apple’s upcoming implementation of RCS in the Messages app, iPhone users in Japan and beyond will have the opportunity to experience enhanced messaging capabilities.
Furthermore, Google has announced plans to collaborate with Japanese carriers to migrate Android users from the +Message app to Google Messages, which will support RCS communication with iPhone users once Apple rolls out RCS support. This strategic move signifies a step towards greater interoperability between Android and iOS devices, offering a seamless messaging experience for users across different platforms.