RCS brings a richer, more reliable, and seamless messaging experience than SMS and MMS to Singtel customers with iPhone

Singtel today announced that it is introducing Rich Communication Services (RCS) support for iPhone customers, bringing the benefits of feature-rich cross-platform messaging to more consumers and businesses. By enabling RCS, Singtel is upgrading the basic SMS text messages to a richer, modern messaging standard that enhances cross-platform messaging experience. 

Starting today, iPhone users running iOS 26.3 will automatically benefit from RCS features when messaging RCS-enabled Android devices. Updates include high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators in chats, emoji reactions, and enhanced group chat functionality – all delivered over Wi-Fi or mobile data, including while roaming internationally.

Mr Vivek Mehendiratta, Chief Customer Officer, Consumer, Singtel Singapore, said, ”By extending RCS to Singtel customers with iPhone, we’re enabling a unified, cross-platform messaging experience across the two largest mobile operating systems, making everyday communication even more frictionless.“

"By extending RCS to Singtel customers with iPhone, we’re enabling a unified, cross-platform messaging experience across the two largest mobile operating systems, making everyday communication even more frictionless.- Vivek Mehendiratta, Chief Customer Officer, Consumer Singtel Singapore

With RCS available across both iPhone and Android devices, Singtel’s customers, both consumers and businesses, can enjoy secure and intuitive, feature-rich messaging experiences within their native Messages apps – without needing to download or switch between third-party platforms.

RCS for Business comes to iPhone

Singtel first introduced RCS for Business for Android users in January 2024. The latest RCS rollout expands opportunities for businesses to engage customers with iPhone more effectively within a familiar and trusted messaging environment.

RCS for Business offers businesses a more powerful way to connect with customers in apps they know and trust with features including verified brand profiles with official logos and business information, rich media messaging for promotions, service updates, and product launches, as well as interactive quick-reply buttons for actions such as bookings, enquiries, and payments. With built-in verification, branding, and engagement indicators, RCS empowers businesses to communicate with customers confidently, securely, and at scale, while delivering more personalised and interactive experiences. Rich media support, two-way conversational messaging, and advanced analytics – such as delivery and read receipts – enable businesses to deliver more personalised interactions, gain deeper insights into customer engagement, and build trust through secure communications that work seamlessly within customers’ default messaging apps. 

Getting Started

RCS is enabled by default. After updating their iPhone to iOS 26.3, customers can check their settings under Settings → Apps → Messages → RCS Messaging to confirm activation.

This offering builds on Singtel’s comprehensive suite of communications solutions designed to enhance everyday digital experiences – making it easier for customers to stay connected in more seamless, intuitive, and trusted ways, while enabling businesses of all sizes to engage customers more meaningfully.