Apple Supports RCS on iOS 18: What it Means for Your Business and Customer Engagement 

Apple has made a significant leap with iOS 18 by introducing Rich Communication Services (RCS), finally bringing iPhone users into the rich, interactive messaging experience that Android users have enjoyed for years. For businesses already using or considering RCS, this update means you can now engage with your customers on iOS devices as seamlessly as you do on Android. 

What’s New with Apple iOS 18 and RCS? 

With iOS 18, Apple has finally embraced Rich Communication Services (RCS), bridging the gap between iPhone and Android users for the first time in messaging. Previously, iPhone users were restricted to SMS and MMS for messaging communication, which often meant low-quality images, limited message lengths, and little to no interactive features. 

Now, with iOS 18’s support for RCS, iPhone users can enjoy the same enhanced messaging features that Android users have been using for some time. These include high-resolution images, larger videos, read receipts, typing indicators, and interactive elements such as buttons for quick actions, all within the native messaging app. This upgrade allows businesses to provide a consistence, rich and more dynamic communication between iPhone and Android users, offering a seamless, engaging experience across platforms. 

This is a game-changer for customer communication, especially considering that iOS accounts for nearly 60% of the U.S. smartphone market (Statista, 2023). Now, you can deliver the same rich communication to iPhone users that you have been delivering to Android users, ensuring a consistent experience across platforms. 

Why does this mean for RCS Business Messaging?

While RCS for personal messaging is already exciting, the real transformation will come when RCS Business Messaging (RBM) is fully supported on iOS 18 devices. With RBM, businesses gain access to a range of features that will supercharge engagement: 

• Verified Sender Badge: Boost customer trust by displaying a Google-verified sender badge next to your brand name, adding legitimacy to your messages. 
• Rich Media and Cards: Share high-quality images, videos, and even interactive cards that give users detailed information about products, services, or tickets, all within a single message. 
• QR Codes and Trackable Links: Make it easier for customers to scan tickets or track packages with easy-to-use QR codes directly embedded in the message. 
• Detailed Read Receipts and Analytics: RCS offers better metrics, allowing you to track when messages are delivered and read, giving you deeper insights into customer behavior. 
• Interactive Buttons and Reply Options: Enhance engagement with buttons for suggested replies, quick-dial options, or action buttons like ‘View Map’ or ‘Try More’ Options. 

Although Apple has currently rolled out RCS for personal (P2P) messaging, industry experts expect business messaging (A2P) to be available soon. 

EnableX Brings Seamless RCS Integration to Apple Users

• Reach More Customers with Rich, Consistent Messaging 

Previously, RCS was a game-changer for businesses primarily engaging Android users. With iOS 18, you can now reach the combined audiences of both Android and iPhone users with consistent, high-quality messaging. 

Whether you’re sending promotional offers, transactional messages, or appointment reminders, RCS allows you to: 

1. Send high-quality images, videos, and PDFs directly within the chat. 
2. Create interactive buttons for easy call-to-actions like Buy Now or Call Us or Schedule Appointment. 
3. Track read receipts and typing indicators, enhancing real-time engagement.

With EnableX, you can deploy these features seamlessly across both platforms, ensuring that every customer receives a premium messaging experience, regardless of their device. Signup here.

• Improve Engagement with Interactive Elements 

RCS messaging allows businesses to integrate interactive elements directly into the message. With iOS 18 now supporting this, you can create deeper connections with customers by making interactions more intuitive and engaging. 

Some key examples include: 

1. Quick Replies: Allow customers to respond with predefined options like Yes or No, without having to type. 
2. Suggested Actions: Let customers book appointments, check order statuses, or even make payments all from within the message thread. 
3. Carousels: Display multiple product images or options in a carousel, making it easier for users to browse and select. 

With EnableX’s platform, these features can be easily customised and integrated into your existing RCS messaging strategy, ensuring a consistent and engaging user experience. 

• Enhanced Customer Support and Real-Time Conversations 

In industries where customer support is critical, RCS can enhance your business’s ability to provide real-time assistance and more personalised interactions. Instead of directing customers to a separate app or website, you can handle the entire conversation within the messaging thread. 

Key features include:

1. Live Typing Indicators: See when your customer is typing, allowing for faster responses. 
2. Rich Media Support: Share documents, images, or guides directly within the conversation. 

• Measure Success with Advanced Analytics

Understanding how your messages perform is crucial for refining your strategy. EnableX provides advanced analytics that allow you to track: 

1. Message Delivery Rates: See how many messages were successfully delivered and read. 
2. Engagement Metrics: Track responses, button clicks, and customer follow-ups. 
3. Customer Satisfaction: Use surveys or NPS scores to gather feedback within the RCS messaging flow. 

With these insights, you can continuously improve your messaging campaigns, ensuring that your RCS strategy aligns with business goals and customer needs. 

• Security and Reliability Built-In 

For businesses handling sensitive data, security is a top concern. RCS offers enhanced security features, including encryption and verified sender identities, ensuring that your messages are secure and trusted by customers. 

We, at EnableX, ensures compliance with industry standards and provides built-in security protocols to protect your data and customer interactions. Whether you’re sending transactional updates or confidential information, you can trust that RCS messages through EnableX will maintain the highest standards of security. 

Ready to Get Started with RCS on iOS 18? 

If you’re already using RCS on Android or are new to RCS messaging, getting started on iOS 18 is easy with EnableX. Our platform offers seamless integration and support, helping you: 

• Create and manage rich messaging templates for promotional and transactional messages. 
• Deploy interactive features such as quick replies, cards, carousels, barcodes, and call-to-action buttons. 
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across iOS and Android. 

Please read: Get Started with RCS Business Messaging Platform  

With over 1.5 billion active iPhone users worldwide (Apple, 2023), the potential for RCS on iOS is enormous. Whether you’re engaging with customers through marketing campaigns, sending reminders, or providing customer support, EnableX ensures that you can deliver consistent, high-quality experiences across iOS and Android devices. 
With RCS on iOS 18, the future of customer engagement is brighter than ever. We are here to help you make the most of this powerful messaging platform, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve. 

Get in touch with us today to explore how EnableX can transform your customer communication with RCS messaging.