Apple Introduces RCS For IPhone, But Carrier Support Still Lacking

With the discharge of iOS 18, iPhone customers can now ship rich textual content messages to Android customers. This is way to Apple’s aid of RCS (Rich Communication Services). However, for RCS for iphone to work, your service must also support it, and right now, many vendors haven’t fully followed the function.

What is RCS?

RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a messaging preferred delivered by way of Google some years ago. It become designed to update older SMS messaging. RCS lets in you to ship larger documents, higher-fine pix and motion pictures, audio messages, and it helps examine receipts, extra emojis, and smoother group chats. Essentially, RCS brings present day messaging functions that SMS lacks.

RCS on iPhone

In the United States, iPhones can use RCS via the three important carriers: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Some regional carriers and a few cellular virtual network operators (MVNOs) also assist RCS. However, in many nations across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and India, aid varies relying on the carrier. Larger companies are much more likely to provide it, while smaller ones may not.

According to Ars Technica, MVNO guide for RCS on iPhone continues to be confined. MVNOs are smaller carriers that normally offer pre-paid services however rely on the networks of bigger companies. For instance, in the US, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, and US Cellular have delivered RCS for iPhone, however others like Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, Simple Mobile, and Ultra Mobile haven’t enabled it yet.

Google Fi and iPhone RCS

Ironically, Google Fi, a carrier backed by Google (the creator of RCS), still doesn’t support RCS for iPhone. Google has been a big advocate for RCS, even pressuring Apple to adopt it. However, more work is needed to make RCS available for iPhone users on Google Fi.

A Google spokesperson explained, “We have been working for a long time to accelerate the adoption of RCS, and are excited that Apple is taking steps with iOS 18. At launch, Fi users with Android phones can use RCS to communicate with iPhone users who have RCS enabled. Only Apple can enable RCS interoperability for iPhone users on Fi, and we hope they will do so soon.”

How to check if your carrier supports RCS

To see if your carrier has activated RCS for iPhone, you can:

Check Apple’s Wireless Carrier Support page: Go to the page, select your region (like the US or Canada), and look for your carrier. If RCS messaging is listed as a feature, you’re set. If it’s not there, you’ll need to wait until your carrier implements it.
Check on your iPhone: If you’ve installed iOS 18, go to Settings > General > About. Scroll down to the ESIM section and tap on Carrier. If the ISM Status shows “Voice, SMS & RCS,” RCS is enabled.