It took several years for a third-party developer to bring Google RCS Messages support to the Apple iPhone. After several years of struggle with Apple, RCS, or Rich Communication Services, has finally arrived on the iPhone. It is an enhanced version of SMS services that are limited to text messages. There are a few improvements over traditional text messaging services.

What is RCS messaging?

RCS Messaging offers better data security with features like end-to-end encryption. Usability has been improved with read receipts, typing indicators, and support for Emoji, which opens up a new way to express emotions. The new messaging protocol is widely available on all Android devices, but the Cupertino-based giant is reluctant to adopt it officially.

Even Google has asked Apple about this several times on social media, but to no avail. Finally, this effort appears to have resulted in unofficial support for RCS Messages via the Beeper app.

iPhone RCS Notifications: Working and not working features

Beeper is currently in beta, but most RCS features work flawlessly. Some additional feedback features, such as touch mapping, work on iPhone. But being in beta means there will be some bugs in some features. So there are some bugs in the message history, the displayed user avatars are not working yet, there are some issues with the notifications being read and the typing indicators need some work. Developers are working on these features and they will be available soon when the stable app becomes available.

Beeper Desktop 3.70.17 is currently available to users, but it may take some time before you get past the waiting list.

Steps to get RCS support on iPhone

Note. To activate RCS on Beeper, you need an Android phone with an active mobile number.

1. Sign up for the waitlist by going to the official website. User needs to enter name, email id and preferred chat network and some other details.
2. When the wait is over, the user will receive a link to download Beeper for desktop.
3. Install the app and follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Select Google Messages as the chat network from the list.
5. After all the settings, the user can connect to Android Connects and start a chat.

Pager development is very active as it gains new features with updates. But getting RCS Message on iPhone is possible as a workaround rather than official support from Apple.