The rollout of iOS 18.1.1 has sparked a noticeable rise in RCS (Rich Communication Services) adoption among iPhone users, according to anecdotal reports from Android users. Many have recently observed that their iPhone contacts, who previously used traditional SMS, have now transitioned to RCS, significantly improving their messaging experience.
The iOS 18.1.1 security update was highlighted as a recommended update, and many iPhone users were prompted to install it. While the update was focused on security improvements, it inadvertently seems to have pushed more users into adopting RCS, a step that makes messaging between iPhone and Android users much richer and more seamless.
The RCS Journey on iPhone
RCS has been hailed as the future of messaging, bridging the gap between the "green" and "blue" bubbles that distinguish iMessage and SMS on iPhones. Apple added RCS support with iOS 18, but its implementation hasn't been as prominent as its own iMessage features. Before using RCS on an iPhone, users need to ensure their carrier supports it (most major US carriers do) and update to iOS 18. Then, they must manually enable RCS in the settings.
While iPhone users can send RCS messages, their Android counterparts must also have RCS activated for the richer features to work, such as read receipts and high-quality media sharing. Even though RCS is now enabled by default on iPhones, many users have been slow to adopt the feature due to hesitation over updates or insufficient storage for larger OS downloads.
The iOS 18.1.1 Update
Reddit user GreenMonkey333 noticed an uptick in RCS adoption among their iPhone contacts after the iOS 18.1.1 update. They speculated that this update, pushed as a recommended security fix, may have "forced" many users to update their devices, resulting in more iPhones supporting RCS. Other users agreed, noting that the update could have prompted previously reluctant iPhone owners to finally embrace the change.
This shift is a welcome development for Android users, who now enjoy a more feature-rich messaging experience when texting iPhone users. It also aligns with broader trends in the industry, such as Verizon and Samsung prioritizing Google Messages, which standardizes RCS across Android devices for a smoother, more consistent experience.
With this unexpected boost in iPhone RCS users, messaging between iPhone and Android has never been better. Have you noticed more of your iPhone contacts using RCS lately? How has your messaging experience improved? Let us know in the comments!