I just noticed that a text message I sent to a non-iPhone user (green bubble) shows as ‘Read’. I didn’t know it was possible for SMS to send read receipts - does this actually indicate that the recipient read my message?
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iPhone Read receipt for SMS
- Thread starter acousticbiker
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I recall back in the days of feature phones at times delivery/read receipts were still available, usually when things were sent from and to devices that were on the same carrier that supported these features (I recall Verizon did, for example). Perhaps it's something like that?
OP, you are not the only one that has noticed this. I have noticed it twice since upgrading to 12.1. I have not upgraded to 12.1.1 yet... mainly because I’m lazy lol but it would definitely be a nice thing to see more often.
This is a function of RCS (Rich Communication Services). Basically its an enhancement to SMS. I haven't done much research on it so you'll need to Google it.
Its an upgrade to SMS basically. It gives users with Phones, Messaging Apps, and Carriers that support it (you need all 3) many features that we take for granted with iMessages. One of those features is read receipts. Verizon just released it baked into the functionality of the Pixel on Dec 6th..ish...
I don't believe the iPhone has full functionality of RCS but glancing around the web real quick does mention features like 'read receipts' can be implemented without full support. And to be honest, I doubt we will see full support because the message includes a executable portion which I find it unlikely Apple will implement due to security concerns. Need to wait and see and it should be easy to test.
Its an upgrade to SMS basically. It gives users with Phones, Messaging Apps, and Carriers that support it (you need all 3) many features that we take for granted with iMessages. One of those features is read receipts. Verizon just released it baked into the functionality of the Pixel on Dec 6th..ish...
I don't believe the iPhone has full functionality of RCS but glancing around the web real quick does mention features like 'read receipts' can be implemented without full support. And to be honest, I doubt we will see full support because the message includes a executable portion which I find it unlikely Apple will implement due to security concerns. Need to wait and see and it should be easy to test.
This isn't restricted to smartphones. Features phones have had support baked into for a long time (like mentioned by another user).
I'm not saying you just now seeing it (I haven't yet from text even sent today) isn't related to an iOS update. In the case of you and your father (since you probably text often) and assuming he doesn't have a new phone would indicate RCS support with iOS or Carrier update though.