Google has reportedly initiated talks with Apple to bring Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging to iPhone users in India later this year. An upcoming release is expected to revolutionize messaging in India, which currently relies primarily on SMS and WhatsApp. However, the exact launch date has not been confirmed.
RCS peer-to-peer communication is already available in eight regions through Apple, including the United States, Canada, four European countries, China, and Belgium. A similar rollout plan will bring India under the same framework as Apple collaborates with Google and telecommunications operators.
As reported by the Economic Times, Apple evaluates the prospect of integrating Google’s RCS server architecture within iMessage for the Indian market. Through this partnership, iPhone users will be able to message Android users without problems using RCS which improves the communication possibilities between these platform systems.
How RCS Is Set To Transform Messaging In India?
The RCS messaging protocol supports read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to send high-quality media files and manage group conversations—features that align with iMessage and WhatsApp. The introduction of RCS on iPhones in India could lead users to shift away from third-party messaging services while also improving business communications.
In China, telecom providers have partnered with alternative vendors to offer RCS services, as Google faces operational constraints in the region. In India, Google’s collaboration with Vodafone Idea and Reliance Jio for RCS messaging suggests Apple may utilize Google’s authentication system.
iPhone users interacting with RCS will have access to messaging capabilities over both mobile data and Wi-Fi, similar to SMS, without requiring additional apps. Through this partnership, Apple aims to provide iPhone users in India with a seamless and advanced messaging experience when communicating with Android users.
Written By
Astitva Raj
Mar 17, 2025 17:03