S. Korean Carriers Enable iPhone RCS via iOS 26 Update

Seoul, South Korea - SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM), KT (NYSE: KT), and LG Uplus announced on Friday that iPhone users in South Korea can access Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging following Apple's iOS 26 software update.

The telecommunications companies announced the availability of the messaging service for domestic iPhone users through the operating system upgrade.

RCS is a global standard specification for text messaging that provides group chat, high-quality photo transmission, read confirmations, and typing indicators. Apple began implementing RCS support by country starting late last year.

Android operating system devices previously supported RCS functionality in South Korea. The iOS 26 update extends compatibility to iPhone users with iPhone 11 series devices or later that support iOS 26 or higher versions.

RCS operates using mobile data and Wi-Fi-based internet transmission, differing from traditional Short Message Service, which uses cellular networks.

The technology supports text messages up to 2,730 characters, compared to SMS limitations of 70 Korean characters and Multimedia Message Service capacity of 1,000 characters.

Korean iPhone users can participate in group conversations with up to 100 participants, including those using Android devices.

The service provides real-time read confirmations, typing indicators, reply functions, and emoticon support, features not available in SMS or MMS systems.

The implementation supports high-resolution multimedia file sharing, expanding beyond MMS limitations of one megabyte.

Files under five megabytes qualify for the carriers' data-free usage policy, eliminating charges for such transfers.

RCS presents corporate messages in different visual formats, allowing users to view information such as credit card transaction details.

The service includes a Brand Profile feature for message verification from RCS-registered businesses, displaying company logos and contact information for business communications when sender numbers are not stored in recipient contact lists.

The telecommunications companies stated that the iPhone RCS implementation allows customers to access messaging services without operating system constraints.

The carriers indicated they plan to continue developing communication services.

The launch aligns Korean iPhone users with RCS capabilities that Android users have had access to domestically and expands cross-platform messaging functionality between operating systems.