You might’ve heard about Apple’s new launch in September. Besides a new iPhone or two, there was also an announcement of iOS 18. With it, the company finally introduced support for RCS on iOS, bringing Rich Communication Services (RCS) to its devices.

This is a significant milestone in mobile messaging & text communication. It holds the potential to transform how businesses engage with their customers. 

But what exactly is RCS, and why should your business care? Let’s explore how RCS on iOS can benefit your business, enhance your communication strategy, and set you up for success.

What is RCS?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a text messaging protocol that upgrades traditional SMS and MMS with a richer and more interactive experience. It includes features common to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, but within the phone’s native messaging app.

With RCS, businesses can:

• Share high-quality images, videos, and files up to 100MB
• Show read receipts and typing indicators
• Use interactive message cards with call-to-action buttons
• Leverage real-time, two-way communication
• Personalise messages with branding elements like logos and colours

While RCS has been around for several years, Apple’s support brings this technology to millions of new users worldwide, expanding its potential reach and impact.

RCS vs iMessage: A Short History

RCS was introduced in 2018 as a better way to text, but Apple users had already been enjoying those features since 2011. That was the year Apple launched iMessage, the native messaging app for the iPhone.

 

The problem was that up until now, iPhone users could only have rich messaging with other iPhones. Even after the launch of RCS on Android phones in 2018, there was no support for rich texting between platforms.

Read more about the complete mobile messaging timeline by clicking on the link.

RCS Launch on iOS: Game-Changer for Businesses

Businesses worldwide have already achieved great results with RCS. Yet many are still reluctant, as this new channel is yet to be widely adopted. The introduction of RCS on iPhone is set to change this. 

Whether you’re in retail, finance, hospitality, or any other industry, here’s how this update can transform your business messaging:

1. Seamless Communication Across Platforms

Before iOS supported RCS, texting between iPhone and Android users was broken. Texts sent between iPhones and Androids would default to SMS or MMS, which is far more limited.

Now, with RCS on iOS, communication is smoother, richer, and more engaging, regardless of the operating system.

For businesses, this means:

• Consistent messaging across iOS and Android devices
• The ability to send the same rich content and interactions to both platforms
• No need for customers to download third-party apps to enjoy a modern messaging experience

2. Enhanced Customer Engagement

RCS is more than just a texting service—it’s a tool that enables businesses to create immersive, interactive experiences. With RCS service on iOS, you can send engaging content such as product images, promotional videos, and interactive message cards, all while tracking engagement through read receipts and real-time feedback.

Consider the following:

• Rich media promotions: Share visually appealing product images, videos, and carousels directly in the messaging app.
• Interactive message cards: Let customers make purchases, book appointments, or explore your catalogue with interactive buttons in the message.
• Real-time communication: Respond instantly to customer inquiries or automate responses based on their input.

These features go beyond traditional SMS marketing, providing a more engaging way to connect with customers.

3. Branded Messaging

RCS lets businesses personalise their communication by adding logos, colours, and custom messaging templates. With RCS now available on iOS, you can create a seamless branded experience within the messaging app itself, helping reinforce your brand’s identity with every interaction.

For businesses, this means:

• Increased brand recognition: Consistent branding across all touchpoints
• Personalised customer interactions: Tailor your messaging for better resonance
• Higher customer trust: Verified sender profiles add a layer of legitimacy to your communications

4. Automation and AI Integration

One of the most exciting aspects of RCS is its potential for automation. With AI chatbots and programmable APIs, you can automate routine conversations, such as order confirmations, appointment bookings, and customer support inquiries.

RCS on iOS allows you to integrate these automated responses into your customer journey, ensuring customers always receive timely and accurate information. Whether it’s answering FAQs or guiding customers through the sales funnel, RCS makes it easier to provide seamless support.

5. Higher Conversion Rates

With interactive buttons, media-rich content, and real-time engagement, RCS has been proven to drive higher conversion rates compared to traditional SMS. Businesses using RCS report increased customer satisfaction, higher click-through rates, and better engagement overall.

RCS on iOS opens the door for your business to:

• Drive more traffic to your website or product pages
• Encourage immediate action with embedded call-to-action buttons
• Reduce friction in the customer journey, from browsing to buying

Why RCS Business Messaging Matters?

The introduction of RCS on iOS is more than just a software update; it’s an opportunity for businesses to enhance their communication strategies and stay ahead of the curve.

RCS Business Messaging gives brands access to powerful tools for personalised, secure, and interactive conversations with their customers. Here’s why it matters:

• Wider Reach: With both Android and iOS users now able to access RCS, your business can reach a broader audience with rich, engaging messages.
• Improved Customer Experience: RCS elevates the customer experience by enabling real-time interactions, branded messages, and seamless communication across devices.
• Future-Proofing: As the adoption of RCS continues to grow, businesses that integrate RCS now will be better positioned to adapt to future communication trends.

How to Get Started with RCS on iOS?

To take advantage of RCS on iOS, you’ll need to ensure that your communication platform supports RCS Business Messaging. Celitix, for example, offers seamless RCS integration through its CPaaS platform, allowing businesses to leverage the latest communication technology without the need to build from scratch.

Here’s how you can get started:

1. Choose a CPaaS platform: Select a provider that offers RCS integration and supports both iOS and Android.
2. Customise your messaging: Use the platform’s tools to create branded, interactive messages that resonate with your target audience.
3. Automate your communication: Integrate AI chatbots and automation to ensure your customers receive timely and relevant responses.
4. Track your results: Use the built-in analytics tools to measure engagement, click-through rates, and conversion data to optimise your campaigns.

Conclusion

The arrival of RCS on iOS marks a pivotal moment in business communication. With its rich media capabilities, real-time interaction features, and cross-platform functionality, RCS Business Messaging offers businesses a powerful way to engage with their audience like never before.

Whether you’re looking to improve customer support, drive sales, or simply enhance the customer experience, RCS on iOS is the key to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

By integrating RCS into your messaging strategy, you can unlock a new level of engagement, personalisation, and success for your business. Now is the time to explore the possibilities of RCS Business Messaging and take your communication efforts to the next level!

FAQs

Q1. What is RCS Business Messaging?

RCS Business Messaging (RBM) is an advanced communication tool that allows businesses to send rich, interactive messages through a phone’s native messaging app. It offers features like high-resolution media sharing, interactive buttons, and branded messaging.

Q2. How does RCS on iOS benefit my business?

With iOS support for RCS, businesses can now send rich, interactive messages to both iPhone and Android users. This means seamless communication, higher engagement, and improved customer experience across platforms.

Q3. How is RCS different from SMS and MMS?

Unlike SMS and MMS, RCS allows for rich media sharing (images, videos, files), real-time indicators (read receipts, typing indicators), and interactive features (buttons, carousels), all within the native messaging app.

Q4. Can I use RCS to automate customer communication?

Yes, RCS supports automation through AI chatbots and programmable APIs. You can automate tasks such as order confirmations, customer support, and appointment reminders, ensuring customers receive timely responses.

Q5. What types of media can I send using RCS Business Messaging?

RCS allows businesses to send high-quality images, videos, documents, product catalogues, and interactive message cards with call-to-action buttons, providing a more engaging experience than traditional SMS.