iOS 18 Update Brings RCS Messaging, Shortcut for Dialling Phone Numbers to iPhone

iOS 18 Messages app bundles features such as end-to-end encryption, support for sharing media in high resolution, and chat indicators.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 17 September 2024 17:28 IST

iOS 18 Update Brings RCS Messaging, Shortcut for Dialling Phone Numbers to iPhone

Photo Credit: Apple

iOS 18 is now available for download globally

Highlights

RCS Messaging is now available on iPhone after the iOS 18 update
The update also adds T9 dialling capabilities on iPhone
It brings better customisation and more options in Control Centre

iOS 18 was rolled out for iPhone users globally on Monday. It includes changes such as home and lock screen customisation, revamped apps, and more options in the Control Centre. The update also includes two features that are new to iOS but have been long-existent on Android: Rich Communication Services (RCS) Messaging and T9 Dialling. While the former claims to enhance the messaging experience, the latter can make the process of dialling numbers a lot quicker.

RCS Messaging and T9 Dialling in iOS 18

Apple says it is finally introducing RCS Messaging on iPhone, following years of pressure put on it by Google. Backed by the GSM Association, RCS is a messaging system that is widely considered to be a successor to traditional SMS messaging. The feature, available within the Messages app, bundles end-to-end encryption, support for sharing media in high resolution, sending messages over Wi-Fi, and chat indicators, with those who do not own an Apple device.

Another new addition is T9 Dialling in the Phone app. This allows users to dial anyone's number from the address book by typing their name on the keypad – similar to entering name on a feature phone. They can enter the numbers which correspond to the first few letters of the receiver's name.

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While both of these features are now arriving on iPhone with iOS 18, Android users have had them for years.

Other iOS 18 Features

iOS 18 also brings call recording to the iPhone. Users can also see transcripts of the saved calls in the Notes app. Apple has brought deeper home and lock screen customisation by enabling users to tweak the icons and apply tints of various colours. They can also resize apps and widgets, and rearrange them anywhere on the home screen.

There are more options in the Control Centre too, with a new ability of adding secondary pages and changing its layout. There is also a revamped Photos app, a new Passwords app and other system-wide improvements.

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Further reading: iOS 18, iOS 18 features, iOS 18 release, iOS 18 update, iPhone Update

Shaurya Tomer

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Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More