iOS 18.1 enhances Android messaging with emoji reactions

Apple has quietly improved messaging compatibility between iPhone and Android with iOS 18.1. The latest update fixes a long-standing annoyance: emoji reactions from Android users now appear in-line with message bubbles, instead of cluttering conversations with separate lines. This subtle yet impactful change simplifies communication in mixed-platform chats.

Introduced in iOS 18.0, Rich Communication Services (RCS) promised to bring iMessage-like features—high-resolution media, read receipts, and typing indicators—to green bubble conversations. However, early adopters noticed that while Apple supported the RCS Universal Profile, emoji reactions didn’t display properly. Android users’ reactions appeared as standalone text, disrupting the flow of conversation. iOS 18.1 resolves this, with reactions seamlessly integrated into message bubbles.

According to The Verge, tests between iPhones running iOS 18.1 and various Android devices confirm the fix. It's unclear whether Apple or Google made the necessary adjustments, but the improvement marks a significant step toward a more unified messaging experience.

Apple’s RCS implementation follows industry standards but retains some limitations. Messages sent via RCS are not end-to-end encrypted, leaving them vulnerable to interception. Additionally, while RCS 2.7 technically supports features like message editing, this functionality isn’t fully operational in iOS RCS chats yet—likely another measure to maintain the allure of iMessage’s exclusive features.

RCS messaging requires carrier support and appears in green text bubbles. To enable RCS, navigate to Settings -> Apps -> Messages -> RCS Messaging. If this option is missing, the carrier may not support RCS for iPhones. Apple also supports RCS Business Messaging, allowing users to connect with businesses through this protocol.

While Apple initially resisted adopting RCS, regulatory pressures and shifting market dynamics have led to its gradual integration. With the improved handling of reactions, iOS 18.1 ensures smoother cross-platform communication, marking a small but meaningful concession in Apple’s traditionally walled garden approach.