RCS vs iMessage: Features, Security, Tech, and Global Reach

Have you noticed the buzz about “RCS vs iMessage” lately? It’s no coincidence—it’s been trending on Google search, with spikes on Ahrefs whenever the news about Apple adding RCS to iPhones breaks. If you’re curious about why this matters or how it could change the way we message, you’re in the right place.

Apple’s move to launch Rich Communication Services (RCS) with iOS 18.1 is a game-changer. For years, Apple kept its rich messaging features exclusive to iMessage, creating a divide between iPhone and Android users. Now, with RCS, iPhones and Android devices can finally communicate on a richer level—goodbye to plain old green bubbles (sort of).

If you’ve heard about Apple adding RCS messaging to iPhones and iPads recently, but don’t know what it means, don’t worry—you’re not alone! You might be wondering:

• How is RCS different from iMessage?
• Which one should you use?
• Which is more secure?
• Which is used more?
• Which is better?

This blog will explain everything in simple terms. We’ll cover:

• What RCS and iMessage are
• How they are similar and different
• Features, security, and technology comparisons
• Which one works best for personal communication
• Which one works best for global business marketing messaging
• How they stack up against other messaging apps like SMS and WhatsApp

By the end, you’ll know their key differences and which one is better for you!

What is RCS?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the modern evolution of SMS, designed to provide a richer, more interactive messaging experience. Unlike traditional SMS, which only supports basic text, RCS enables high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and group chats—all directly from your phone’s built-in messaging app.

Developed by the GSM Association, RCS is a proprietary messaging protocol that uses an internet connection to deliver these enhanced features. It works natively, meaning you don’t need to download an additional app. This streamlined functionality makes rich communication services particularly appealing for both personal communication and business messaging.

What is iMessage?

iMessage is Apple’s proprietary instant messaging platform, integrated directly into the Messages app on all iOS and macOS devices. Launched in 2011, it’s designed for Apple users to send messages, photos, videos, documents, and more over the internet, bypassing SMS and MMS entirely.

What makes iMessage stand out is its deep integration within Apple’s ecosystem. It offers features like end-to-end encryption, typing indicators, read receipts, and group chats. However, iMessage remains exclusive to Apple devices, which has been a key part of Apple’s strategy to keep users within its ecosystem.

How RCS and iMessage Differ from SMS and WhatsApp

While SMS is universal and comes pre-installed on every phone, it’s limited to plain text and basic multimedia via MMS. In contrast, RCS and iMessage offer a more advanced messaging experience, including multimedia sharing, read receipts, and internet-based communication.

WhatsApp, on the other hand, provides similar features but requires a separate download and account setup. This limits its reach since not everyone has the app. RCS and iMessage, being built into their respective platforms, eliminate this barrier, making them more accessible.

One unique advantage of both RCS for messaging and iMessage is their ability to fall back on SMS or MMS when no internet connection is available. This makes them versatile, though they don’t offer the voice and video calling features WhatsApp provides.

Key Takeaway:

RCS and iMessage combine the ease of SMS messages with the advanced features of instant messaging apps, like WhatsApp, making them convenient for users and businesses looking for a seamless messaging experience.

Why Has Apple Added RCS to iPhones?

For years, Apple users relied on iMessage for rich messaging capabilities, but only within the confines of the Apple ecosystem. When an iPhone user messaged someone on Android, they were stuck with basic SMS functionality. This limitation wasn’t accidental—it was a deliberate part of Apple’s strategy to lock users into its ecosystem.

However, this exclusivity faced increasing pressure over time. Google, a vocal advocate for RCS, spent years taunting and cajoling Apple to adopt the standard. At the same time, regulatory scrutiny—particularly from the EU—put the spotlight on Apple’s lack of interoperability, raising concerns about anti-competitive practices.

Facing these pressures, Apple finally introduced RCS support with the release of iOS 18.1 in September 2024. This long-awaited update allows iPhones to communicate with Android devices using RCS, enabling rich features like high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, and typing indicators—without relying on third-party apps like WhatsApp.

Despite this shift, Apple's dedicated messaging service has retained its iconic blue-and-green bubble distinction. Messages sent to Android users via RCS still appear as green bubbles on iPhones, a subtle yet strategic move to maintain its brand identity within the messaging experience.

RCS vs iMessage: Key Differences

We have already discussed similarities between RCS and Imsg above, mainly they are built-in to the phone, feature-rich text messages, and don’t necessarily need wifi or mobile data.

Now let’s look at the differences.

Security

Security is where iMessage truly shines. Apple’s platform offers end-to-end encryption for all Apple-to-Apple messages, ensuring they remain private. RCS, on the other hand, lacks full end-to-end encryption when messages are exchanged between Android phones and iPhone users. This leaves RCS messages vulnerable to interception by carriers or other third parties.

Operating Systems

RCS is compatible with Android devices as well as iPhones running iOS 18 or later, marking a significant step toward bridging the communication gap between these two major platforms. This cross-platform compatibility allows users to send and receive rich messages, such as high-resolution images and videos, without relying on third-party apps. However, iMessage remains exclusive to Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. This exclusivity reinforces Apple’s tightly integrated ecosystem, providing a seamless experience for its users but limiting compatibility with other platforms.

The introduction of RCS to iOS broadens the horizons for iPhone users who regularly communicate with Android users, offering more robust features than basic SMS. However, the distinction between the two systems persists, with RCS being a cross-platform standard and iMessage staying firmly within Apple’s proprietary ecosystem.

Message Bubble Colors

Despite Apple’s adoption of RCS, the familiar green and blue bubble color scheme in the Messages app remains unchanged. Messages sent from iPhones to Android devices using RCS will still appear as green bubbles, a visual indicator that distinguishes them from iMessages, which are shown as blue bubbles.

This design choice reflects Apple’s commitment to maintaining its branding and visual identity. The green bubble has long symbolized communication with non-Apple devices, reinforcing the divide between Apple’s ecosystem and other platforms. For iPhone users, the blue bubble represents a premium experience exclusive to Apple’s ecosystem, complete with features like end-to-end encryption and seamless integration with other Apple services.

While RCS brings richer messaging capabilities to Android users interacting with iPhones, the color-coded distinction serves as a subtle reminder of Apple’s focus on ecosystem loyalty and exclusivity.

Availability and Usage

Globally, there are approximately 3.9 billion Android users, with popular brands like Samsung, Google, and OnePlus contributing to this vast market. While not all Android devices currently support RCS, it is the default messaging app on most new devices running Android. Google has reported over one billion active monthly RCS users, thanks to strong backing from global mobile carriers and manufacturers.

Apple says over two billion users actively use its hardware. Apple devices are particularly popular in countries like Japan, the United States, and Australia for all ages up to 65.

So more people have access to RCS, and it is going to increase further now it being available on iOS 18 and any future updates, as compared to iMessage, at least globally.

RCS vs iMessage: Which Is Better?

For Personal

Use the choice of messaging protocol, between RCS and iMessage depends on the devices involved. If both parties use Apple devices, iMessage offers a seamless and secure experience. For cross-platform communication, RCS is now the better option, enabling rich messaging between Android and IOS users.

For Businesses

The decision often comes down to reach. iMessage dominates in markets like the U.S., where Apple’s market share is high. However, RCS is the better choice for global outreach, thanks to Android’s extensive presence worldwide.

For example, a luxury brand targeting U.S. consumers might prioritize iMessage. Meanwhile, a global e-commerce business would benefit more from RCS, given its compatibility with billions of Android devices.

iMessage is the leading messaging platform in regions like the U.S., where Apple holds approximately 60% of the market share. However, on a global scale, Android dominates with over 70% of the market. This means that if you’re looking to connect with Android users worldwide, RCS will likely be the more practical option.

As a result, RCS is a better choice for businesses aiming to reach a global audience.

If you want to expand your business reach with RCS and connect with a global audience, contact us today.

Scenarios Where iMessage Excels

While RCS is a powerful tool for bridging the gap between Android and iPhone users, it does have limitations. For instance, RCS won’t work on Apple devices that haven’t been updated to iOS 18 or later. This means businesses targeting only Apple users may find iMessage a more reliable and effective option.

Take, for example, a luxury brand catering to high-income consumers in the U.S. where Apple’s market share is particularly strong. These users often prefer Apple-exclusive platforms due to their seamless integration and premium experience. In such cases, iMessage’s secure, feature-rich ecosystem provides a better channel for targeted communication.

FAQs

Why did Apple switch to RCS?
Apple added RCS to improve compatibility with Android devices and address growing regulatory pressures for platform interoperability.

Why isn’t RCS more popular yet?
Slow adoption by carriers and device manufacturers has limited RCS’s reach until recently.

Should I turn on RCS on Google Messages app on my iPhone?
Absolutely! Enabling RCS enhances your messaging experience with Android users, making conversations more interactive.

Conclusion

RCS and iMessage each have their strengths. iMessage is perfect for Apple-exclusive communication, offering an enhanced messaging experience, seamless integration, and robust security. RCS messages, however, bridge the gap between Android and iPhone users, making it a powerful tool for global communication.

As messaging technology evolves, the addition of RCS to iPhones marks a new era of connectivity. Whether you’re chatting with friends or running a business, understanding these platforms will help you make the most of your native messaging app experience.

Ready to elevate your business messaging strategy? Contact us today to learn how RCS Business Messaging can expand your global reach!