Apple's 'iPhone' will introduce a next-generation messaging transmission service, enabling the transfer of large files and chat-style messaging with Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy phone.'
The Korea Communications Commission said on the 19th that it has taken measures to introduce a next-generation messaging transmission service (Rich Communication Service) to Apple's 'iPhone,' replacing the existing SMS messaging, to alleviate user inconvenience.
The next-generation messaging transmission service (RCS) is an upgraded service compared to the short message service (SMS) and multimedia messaging service (MMS) provided by mobile carriers, supporting features such as large file transfers and indicators like 'typing' and 'read'.
The Korea Communications Commission has mediated discussions between the three mobile carriers and Apple to resolve inconveniences between iPhone and Android users, and on this day, recommended that Apple distribute the beta version of the operating system (iOS) for iPhone so that the three mobile carriers can test the next-generation messaging transmission service (RCS) by the first half of this year, support large file transfers of up to 300MB, and continue discussions with the three mobile carriers throughout the service introduction process.
Currently, in South Korea, the next-generation messaging transmission service (RCS) is only available for data and text message transfers among Galaxy phone users, but if Apple supports this feature on the iPhone, such capabilities will be available between Galaxy phones and iPhones as well. Additionally, file transfers via SMS between iPhones and Galaxy phones were previously limited to 1MB for MMS, but with the support of the next-generation messaging transmission service (RCS) by iPhones, large file transfers of up to 300MB will also become possible.
Apple noted that it will comply with the Korea Communications Commission's recommendations as part of its efforts to enhance the convenience of iPhone users, allowing domestic iPhone users to utilize the next-generation messaging service by the second half of this year.
The Korea Communications Commission previously received reports last March regarding quality degradation issues during media file transfers between iPhones and Android phones, which led to an investigation.
The investigation confirmed that there was quality degradation when transferring photos and videos; however, it explained that it is difficult to hold Apple accountable for long messages, as these are the responsibility of the mobile carriers' services. There are no regulations forcing compatible transmission methods between devices, and there are alternative methods available for transferring large media files via messenger services.
Lee Jin-sook, the commissioner of the Korea Communications Commission, said, 'Going forward, I will not spare policy support to enhance the openness of mobile services and improve user convenience by increasing compatibility and interoperability between platforms.'