RCS Messaging Arrives in Korea with iOS 26 Update for iPhone
Next-Generation Texting Now Available
Free File Transfers for Attachments Under 5MB
With Apple introducing the next-generation messaging feature, Rich Communication Services (RCS), to the iPhone, users can now enjoy group chats and large file transfers between iPhones and Android phones such as Galaxy devices.
Users of iPhone and Android phones engaging in group chat using the next-generation messaging feature, Rich Communication Services (RCS). Provided by the three major mobile carriers.
By using RCS, users can access features similar to KakaoTalk, including group chats with up to 100 participants and sharing high-quality photos and videos, all within the default messaging application.
On September 19, the three major mobile carriers-SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus-announced that, following Apple’s recent iOS 26 update, RCS messaging services for iPhones are now supported in South Korea.
RCS is an advanced global standard for text messaging, offering a more convenient and enriched messaging experience. Until now, it was available only between Galaxy phone users running the Android operating system in South Korea. Apple had maintained its proprietary iMessage service, but starting late last year, began gradually expanding RCS support by country.
With this update, iPhone users in South Korea can now use RCS. However, to use RCS on an iPhone, a device from the iPhone 11 series or later, running iOS 26 or higher, is required.
Now, iPhone users in South Korea can also participate in group chats with up to 100 Android device users.
Additionally, a variety of RCS features are now available, including real-time read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. Notably, for attachments under 5MB, a data-free policy is applied, allowing users to send files without worrying about data charges. RCS also supports emoticons, enabling richer emotional expression.
For businesses, RCS messages for marketing purposes can incorporate various types of multimedia, allowing for more diverse communication methods.
RCS includes a "brand profile" feature, so users can safely identify messages sent by companies registered with RCS. Even if the sender’s number is not saved in the address book, users can easily see which company sent the message, along with the brand logo and contact information.
The three major carriers stated, "With the introduction of RCS for iPhone, customers can now experience enhanced messaging services without operating system restrictions," adding, "We will continue to make efforts to innovatively improve the communication experience for our customers."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
