With RCS on iOS, you’ll get major improvements like high-resolution media, typing indicators, and read receipts when you’re texting with people on other phones that also support RCS. In its iOS 18 press release, Apple also highlights support for “more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS.”

There’s read receipts, better group chats, and the little wiggles of validation. We have to accept iPhone and Android users will be separate.

Apple made chats better with green bubble friends. They still stink. Starting Monday with the release of iOS 18, Apple is overhauling the iPhone messaging app to make your chats better in mixed company — when at least one Android phone user is involved.