Apple has announced that it will adopt the RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging standard for its iPhones, alongside iMessage. The move is seen as a response to pressure from competitors like Google and Samsung, as well as regulator pressure from the European Union. However, Apple has clarified that iMessage will remain the messaging platform for iPhone users, with RCS only replacing SMS and MMS. Apple also emphasizes that iMessage is more secure and privacy-friendly than RCS, as it is end-to-end encrypted. RCS provides an upgraded messaging experience and works through the native messaging app on phones.