Yes, you can use RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging with non-Apple devices. RCS is designed to enhance the messaging experience by allowing users to send high-resolution photos, videos, and texts, along with features like read receipts and typing indicators.
Key Points about RCS Messaging:
- Compatibility: RCS messages can be sent to both non-Apple devices (like Android phones) and other Apple devices that have RCS enabled. This means that if you're using an iPhone without iMessage, you can still communicate with Android users via RCS[2][3].
- Messaging Experience: When using RCS, messages typically appear in green text bubbles. This distinguishes them from iMessages, which appear in blue bubbles and are exclusive to Apple devices[1][4].
- Requirements: To utilize RCS on an iPhone, you need to have iOS 18 or later and a mobile plan that supports RCS. Users must also enable RCS messaging in their settings[3][4].
- Limitations: While RCS improves the messaging experience significantly compared to traditional SMS/MMS, it does not provide end-to-end encryption like iMessage. This means that messages sent via RCS may not be as secure as those sent through Apple's proprietary messaging service[3][4].
In conclusion, while you can use RCS to communicate with non-Apple devices, certain features may still be limited compared to using iMessage exclusively with other Apple users.
Citations:[1] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/rcs-on-iphone-will-make-texting-android-users-feel-less-archaic-heres-how/
[2] https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/what-is-rcs-text-messaging-what-to-know-amid-latest-security-warnings/3617715/
[3] https://support.apple.com/en-nz/104972
[4] https://support.apple.com/en-us/104972