With the release of iOS 18, Apple’s Messages app has received significant enhancements, including one feature with considerable impact—RCS support. This feature is gradually rolling out to various carriers, and in iOS 18.4, it’s now available to many additional users such as those on Google Fi, Mint Mobile, and others.
RCS expansion reaches Messages for new carriers in iOS 18.4
RCS serves as the optimal messaging solution for iPhone and Android users to connect seamlessly.
In contrast to the traditional SMS standard, RCS offers a plethora of iMessage-like features, even within the green bubble conversations.
Some of the enhanced RCS features include:
- typing indicators
- read receipts
- significantly improved media sharing
- tapback reactions
However, it’s necessary for carriers to activate RCS support prior to iPhone users accessing the feature.
To date, the three major US network providers—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—have all incorporated RCS support.
However, many customers of smaller and midsize carriers have been left in limbo.
The arrival of iOS 18.4 aims to address this by activating RCS for T-Mobile MVNOs, including:
- Boost Mobile
- Google Fi
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Mint Mobile
- Tello Mobile
- Ultra Mobile
- US Mobile
- and more
Although Apple has yet to refresh its carrier support page to highlight the new RCS additions, this was confirmed during the iOS 18.4 beta testing.
To verify if RCS is enabled on your iPhone, navigate to Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Messages ⇾ RCS Messaging. In chats with Android users who have RCS active, you should see RCS indicated in the message box at the bottom of your screen.
Has your carrier rolled out RCS with iOS 18.4 or an earlier update, or are you still waiting? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
