Telephone and short messages: Apple opens iPhone core functions in the EU

With iOS 26, Apple is preparing another fundamental opening of the iPhone: In the future, users in the EU will be able to use non-Apple apps for sending short messages (RCS, SMS, MMS) for the first time. So far it was not possible. The basic communication channels for mobile phones have been reserved for the preinstalled Apple apps “Nachrichten” and “Telephone” since the introduction of the iPhone 18 years ago.

Apple leaves apps to RCS and telephony

With the new framework Telephonymessaging kit the iPhone manufacturer creates the basis that apps from third-party providers can also send “standard-based messages via mobile phone networks”. Specifically, the communication standards Rich Communication Services (RCS), Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) are supported. This emerges from the developer documentation for the beta of iOS 26 published by Apple as part of the WWDC 2025.

At the same time there is a new one Authorization for a “default dialer app”that can ultimately replace Apple’s phone app. A “default dial app” serves primarily as a selection program to make calls via VoIP or the mobile phone connection. Such an app can establish the connection directly without the user having to confirm this again-as is otherwise the case, if, for example, a telephone number taped in an app is passed on to the telephone app. The standard app for calls also receives access to the call list with the past calls that are available and incoming.

Apple notes is only designed for iPhone users in the EU. Default dialer apps can even only be tested by developers within the EU member states.

Greetings from Digital Markets Act

In response to the Digital Markets Act, Apple seems to be the change, but this step is not noted in the recent compliance plan of the group. Apple has already integrated extended standard app settings, so that users can set up other standard apps for short messages and calls for the first time-but mobile phone services such as RCS were excluded. In the meantime, all Apple apps can also be deleted from the operating system, with the exception of telephone and settings.

RCS has only been supported since iOS 18, support for end-to-end encryption should follow soon. Imessage was able to preserve Apple from a forced opening in the EU because the competitive keepers did not classify the service as important enough for communication between companies and end customers.