Apple and Jio Bring RCS Messaging to iPhones in India: iMessage-Style Texting Explained

According to reports, tech titan Apple and Reliance Jio have teamed up to provide Jio customers Rich Communication Services (RCS) texting on iPhones.

According to ET’s story, which cited sources, this partnership will enable Jio customers on iPhones to send iMessage-style “blue tick” RCS texts with interactive features, read receipts, and high-resolution photos and videos over WiFi or mobile data without incurring additional costs.

What is RCS Messaging and How It Works on iPhones?

 The worldwide telecom industry organisation GSMA launched RCS in 2007 as a messaging standard to improve and update SMS. RCS, which is integrated into a phone’s default messaging software, provides functions including read receipts, group conversations, file sharing, and interactive communications that resemble WhatsApp or iMessage.

Compared to SMS, it allows for authenticated and secure corporate communication, lowering the danger of spam or phishing. Additionally, it enables telecom providers to remain competitive in the expanding messaging market.

Why RCS Matters: Secure, Spam-Free Alternative to SMS?

Due to the country’s continued heavy reliance on SMS for transactions, banking alerts, and OTPs, RCS use is increasing in India. RCS provides a safer option for communication and modernises this channel.

RCS Adoption in India and Global Trends

RCS has been adopted by ten nations worldwide, and India views it as a digital upgrade to its communication environment as well as a security measure. With a robust subscriber base of more than 49 Cr, Jio will assist Apple in promoting the use of RCS services. Jio and Apple have been contacted by Inc42 for their thoughts on the development.

Airtel’s Opposition to RCS and Industry Response

As soon as an answer is received, the story will be updated. Notably, according to ET, Bharti Airtel previously refused to collaborate with Google or Apple to enable RCS, claiming that the encrypted channel may expose consumers to spam. This development coincides with Apple’s rapid expansion in India.

Due to double-digit increases in iPhones, Macs, and services, the business recorded record revenue from India in the June quarter. According to Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, the iPhone has grown in every region and in growing countries like Brazil, South Asia, the Middle East, and India, where it has double-digit growth.

Apple Expanding its Nexus in India

The iPhone manufacturer is growing its retail presence in India, bolstered by the strong demand. The company announced on 26 August that it will establish a new store in Pune the following week, following the announcement of the opening of its third official store in Bengaluru last week.

In addition, the tech giant is increasingly making India a major location for manufacturing. According to a rumour earlier this month, Apple intends to increase manufacturing of the iPhone 17 at all five of its Indian factories. Last year, the company began producing 30 million to 40 million iPhone 15s a year in India.

Up until this year, Tata Electronics, Foxconn, and Pegatron, Apple’s contract manufacturers, accounted for 25% of the company’s manufacturing in India. Apple made the decision to outsource the majority of iPhone production from China in late April of this year. Apple revealed that by 2026, all iPhones sold in the US will be assembled in India.