With the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced Rich Communication Services (RCS) in the Messages app, marking a significant advancement for iPhone users when messaging Android devices. However, this feature isn’t universally available from the get-go—RCS support needs to be enabled by individual carriers. Apple’s website provides a helpful Wireless Carrier Support page detailing which carriers have already rolled out RCS support for iPhone users. Curious whether your carrier supports this feature? Let’s dive into how you can check and what this means for your messaging experience.

What is RCS?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a messaging protocol designed to bring features commonly found in iMessage or other instant messaging platforms to standard text messages. This upgrade from SMS includes:

• Rich media support (audio, larger media files, images)
• Read receipts (you’ll know when your message has been read)
• Typing indicators (showing when the other person is typing)
• Higher quality media sharing compared to traditional SMS.

Previously, these features were exclusive to iMessage for iPhone users, and any communication with Android devices reverted to the basic SMS format, often shown in green bubbles. With RCS, green bubble texts on iPhone will now be enhanced, bringing a richer messaging experience between iOS and Android users.

Carriers That Support RCS on iPhone

Apple has updated its Wireless Carrier Support webpage to provide details on which carriers have enabled RCS for iPhone users running iOS 18. As of launch day, RCS works with the major U.S. carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Some carriers in Canada, Europe, and Asia have also enabled RCS for iPhone users.

Here are a few notable carriers that already support RCS on iPhone with iOS 18:

• AT&T
• T-Mobile
• Verizon

If your carrier isn’t on this list, there’s no need to worry. More carriers are expected to roll out RCS support over the coming months as they collaborate with Apple to enable the feature for iPhone users.

How to Check if Your Carrier Supports RCS

To determine if RCS is enabled by your carrier, follow these steps:

1. Update your iPhone to iOS 18: Head to Settings > General > Software Update and ensure you’re running the latest version of iOS.
2. Check Messages settings: Go to Settings > Apps > Messages. If your carrier supports RCS, you’ll see the option to enable or disable RCS messaging here.
3. Look for RCS labels in conversations: When messaging an Android user, the Messages app will display the label “Text Message – RCS” for RCS-enabled messages, even though the green bubble remains.

If you don’t see the RCS option, it likely means your carrier hasn’t rolled out support yet. Keep an eye on Apple’s Wireless Carrier Support page for updates.

How RCS Enhances Messaging Between iOS and Android

The introduction of RCS brings a host of enhancements that were previously only available through iMessage:

• Rich media sharing: You can now send high-quality photos, videos, and audio files to Android users without the size restrictions of MMS.
• Read receipts: Finally, you’ll know when an Android user has read your message, similar to how it works with iMessage users.
• Typing indicators: When chatting with Android users, you’ll see typing indicators, allowing for a more fluid conversation.

Although RCS messages will still appear in green bubbles, these features make communication between iPhone and Android users smoother and more seamless than ever before.

What to Expect Moving Forward

While many major carriers support RCS at launch, others will follow in the coming months. During the iOS 18 beta period, RCS updates were only shipped with new iOS builds, but that’s no longer the case. Carriers can now roll out RCS support independently of iOS updates, allowing for faster and more flexible deployment.

How to Update to iOS 18

If you haven’t updated to iOS 18 yet, here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select General.
3. Tap Software Update and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install iOS 18.

This update requires an iPhone XR or later model, so ensure your device is compatible.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of RCS with iOS 18 marks a major step forward for iPhone users, especially when communicating with Android devices. The ability to send rich messages, receive read receipts, and enjoy enhanced media-sharing capabilities bridges the gap between the two operating systems. By checking your carrier’s status and enabling RCS in the Messages app, you can enhance your messaging experience immediately. As more carriers adopt this feature, expect even more seamless and feature-rich communications across iPhone and Android devices.