iOS 18 has introduced significant enhancements to Apple’s Messages app, with one of the most impactful changes—RCS support—being gradually rolled out by several carriers. Fortunately, with the arrival of iOS 18.4, this feature is now accessible to a wider range of users, including those subscribed to Google Fi, Mint Mobile, and others.
RCS Expansion for New Carriers in iOS 18.4
RCS represents the optimum messaging solution for users on both iPhone and Android.
In contrast to the traditional SMS protocol, RCS facilitates a multitude of engaging features similar to iMessage, even within green bubble conversations.
Features of RCS include:
- Typing indicators
- Read receipts
- Enhanced media sharing
- Tapback reactions
However, RCS functionality must be enabled by carriers for iPhone users to utilize it.
Previously, the three main carriers in the US—AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon—had RCS support in place.
However, many users of smaller and mid-tier carriers have faced delays.
With iOS 18.4, this gap has been significantly reduced with RCS being enabled for T-Mobile MVNOs, including:
- Boost Mobile
- Google Fi
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Mint Mobile
- Tello Mobile
- Ultra Mobile
- US Mobile
- and various others
While Apple hasn’t updated its carrier support page to reflect these new RCS additions, the updates were confirmed during the beta phase of iOS 18.4.
To verify if your iPhone is utilizing RCS, navigate to Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Messages ⇾ RCS Messaging. In chats with Android users that have RCS enabled, you will see RCS notifications in the empty message box at the bottom.
Have you noticed your carrier adding RCS in iOS 18.4 or in a previous update, or are you still looking forward to it? Share your experiences in the comments below.
