iOS 18 beta reveals major changes to the Messages app

Developers participating in the iOS 18 beta program have noticed a significant change to the Messages app: the elimination of the iconic “green bubble” that signified a basic SMS/MMS message.

This change, which now presents all messages in a gray bubble, marks Apple’s commitment to a simplified interface on all its platforms.

While this change has sparked speculation and debate, particularly because it blurs the lines between iPhone and non-iPhone users, its underlying implications could suggest a move toward greater inclusivity among users.

In terms of features, the Messages app remains intact. The reasons for this aesthetic transformation should be revealed in the official iOS 18 patch notes.

The major update to the Messages app comes courtesy of Rich Communication Services (RCS). This revolutionary messaging protocol enhances communication by exchanging various media, from audio files to videos.

This upgrade not only invites higher user engagement and a better messaging experience, but also opens up new possibilities for more interactive content from marketers, businesses and developers, fundamentally changing the landscape of digital communication.

RCS also enables seamless group chats, detailed event planning, rich media sharing, location sharing, and live video calls, among other features, making it a truly transformative tool for improving communication.

The service is currently limited to carriers that support the RCS protocol, including major US carriers AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon, as well as some international carriers such as Vodafone and Rogers. However, the final availability of the feature will depend on each carrier’s policies.

The appeal of these new features to iPhone users who have already migrated to third-party apps for high-definition (HD) messaging is ambiguous.

Unveiling changes to iOS 18 Messages

The Apple Messages app’s built-in features could significantly change user preferences, bridging the gap between iOS and Android users.

With the release of iOS 18 scheduled for the fall, the technology giant promises an evolution of cross-platform communication, focused on ease of use and fluidity of operations. The effectiveness of this change will be determined by how easily users can become familiar with the new system.

If users find the new upgrades intuitive and the user experience improved, the release of iOS 18 could well be the dawn of a new era in tech usability.