With the latest iOS 18 developer beta 2 now available, iPhone users on AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon can finally connect with their Android friends, family, and colleagues using RCS messaging. This update brings a range of new features to chats between iOS and Android users, including read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality image and video sharing. While some features may still be glitchy due to the beta nature of the release, it’s exciting to see this progress in cross-platform communication.

However, it’s worth noting that at present, Apple iPhone-Android RCS messages do not support end-to-end encryption. This is a feature that was previously indicated in Google Messages by a lock icon with a slash through it. The absence of this icon now suggests a server-side update related to beta releases of Google Messages. Despite this lack of end-to-end encryption for iOS-supported RCS, messages are still encrypted in transit. It’s important to remember that your carrier may have access to the content of your messages.

While it remains uncertain whether end-to-end encryption will be incorporated into the stable version of iOS 18 when it is officially released, one thing is for sure: text bubbles will still appear green when chatting with Android users over RCS. This distinction between green and blue bubbles has sometimes led to playful banter between iPhone and Android users – only time will tell if this trend continues with the introduction of RCS support for iOS.

One standout benefit of iOS now supporting RCS is the improved quality of shared images and videos. In the past, exchanging photos and videos between iPhone and Android users via SMS or MMS often resulted in low resolution or blurry content. By embracing RCS technology, these visual media files can now be shared in high quality without losing clarity or focus.

If you’re eager to try out these new features right away, you can install the iOS 18 developer beta; however, keep in mind that beta versions may come with reduced battery life and potential bugs typical of testing phases. For a smoother experience, you may opt to wait for the stable version release later this year when additional improvements could potentially include end-to-end encryption support from Google Messages.

Overall, the integration of RCS support for iOS marks an exciting step forward in enhancing communication between iPhone and Android users. Stay tuned for more updates as this technology continues to evolve!