In a significant advancement for messaging capabilities, Apple has integrated Rich Communication Services (RCS) support into the iPhone with the launch of iOS 18. This upgrade bridges the gap between iPhone and Android users, enabling enhanced features such as higher-quality image sharing, read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to send larger files in messages. However, it is noteworthy that while RCS offers many benefits, Apple's implementation lacks end-to-end encryption due to the specific version of RCS adopted.
Initially, support for RCS in the U.S. was limited to major carriers, namely T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Now, that number has grown impressively to 17 wireless providers, marking a significant expansion in cross-platform messaging capabilities. Apple has released a comprehensive list of U.S. carriers that support RCS for iOS, which includes:
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile (requires iOS 18.2)
- C Spire
- Consumer Cellular
- Cricket
- FirstNet
- H20 Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
- PureTalk
- Red Pocket
- Spectrum Mobile
- T-Mobile
- TracFone / Straight Talk
- US Cellular
- Verizon
- Visible
- Xfinity Mobile
Interestingly, even though T-Mobile is on the list, some of its acquired Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), such as Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, are notably absent. Together, these MVNOs serve around 3 million U.S. wireless users, and their exclusion from RCS support is likely temporary until T-Mobile procures the necessary setup.
An iPhone supporting RCS will show this support in the Messages app text field. | Image credit-PhoneArena
If you're an iPhone user with a subscription to one of the 17 carriers supporting RCS, you can easily identify when messaging an Android user utilizing Google Messages or another RCS app by looking for "Text Message + RCS" in the text field. If your carrier is not listed, you might either wait for it to adopt RCS support, switch to one of the 17 participating providers, or stick with traditional SMS/MMS messaging for now.
One of the most acclaimed features resulting from this RCS integration is the improved handling of multimedia messages. With RCS, iPhone and Android users no longer have to contend with low-quality image and video outputs typical of SMS/MMS transfers. Instead, media shared between RCS users retains higher quality, leading to a more satisfying messaging experience.
As Apple continues to support RCS, cross-platform complaints regarding image quality should substantially decline, bringing users a more seamless communication experience.
