South Korea’s three largest telecom operators – SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus – have announced support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) on iPhones following Apple’s iOS 26 update. This marks the first time iPhone users in Korea can access RCS, which was previously limited to Android devices.
RCS is a next-generation messaging standard offering enhanced features such as group chats, high-quality photo and video sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and richer emoticon use. With the update, iPhone 11 series devices and newer running iOS 26 or higher can now join group chats with up to 100 Android users, benefiting from full RCS interoperability.
The upgrade significantly expands the 1MB MMS attachment limit, enabling the sharing of high-quality photos and videos. Attachments under 5MB are exempt from data charges, making the service more user-friendly and cost-efficient.
RCS also enhances business messaging, allowing companies to send visually engaging content such as transaction histories and promotional updates. The platform’s “Brand Profile” feature further improves trust by displaying verified company details, including logos and contact information, even if the number is not saved in the user’s address book.
This rollout positions Korea at the forefront of advanced messaging adoption, bridging the gap between iPhone and Android ecosystems while enhancing communication for both personal and business users.
