Apple is expanding Rich Communications Service (RCS) support to more iPhone users through its latest beta update. After years of Android users enjoying enhanced messaging capabilities, iPhone owners on Google Fi and various T-Mobile MVNOs are finally seeing progress toward full RCS integration, bridging the communication gap between the two mobile ecosystems.
iOS 18.4 Beta 2 Expands RCS Support
The second public beta of iOS 18.4, released earlier this week, has introduced RCS messaging capabilities for Google Fi subscribers and users of T-Mobile's mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). This development marks a significant expansion of Apple's RCS implementation, which was initially introduced with iOS 18 last September. Previously, RCS support was limited to major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, leaving customers of Google Fi and T-Mobile MVNOs such as Boost Mobile and Mint Mobile without access to these enhanced messaging features.
New carriers getting RCS support in iOS 18.4 Beta 2:
- Google Fi
- T-Mobile MVNOs (including Mint Mobile, Boost Mobile, USMobile, Helium Mobile)
What RCS Brings to iPhone Users
RCS messaging represents a substantial upgrade over traditional SMS and MMS protocols, offering iPhone users communicating with Android contacts a much richer messaging experience. With RCS enabled, users can exchange larger file attachments, higher-quality photos and videos, audio messages, and a wider variety of emoji. The protocol also supports modern messaging features like read receipts and improved group chats, bringing cross-platform messaging closer to the experience iPhone users have long enjoyed with iMessage.
Activation Status and Availability
While the RCS toggle is now visible for Google Fi and T-Mobile MVNO subscribers in the iOS 18.4 beta, many users are reporting that the feature shows a waiting for activation status. This suggests that while Apple has implemented the technical framework in the beta, complete activation may require additional backend configuration from carriers or could be fully enabled with the stable release of iOS 18.4, expected to launch in April 2025. Some Mint Mobile users have reportedly already been able to activate the feature, indicating a gradual rollout process.
How to Check RCS Availability
iPhone users on Google Fi or T-Mobile MVNOs who have installed the iOS 18.4 beta can check if RCS is available by navigating to Settings, selecting Apps, then Messages, and looking for the RCS Messaging option. If present, users can toggle it on, though they may need to wait for carrier activation to complete before the feature becomes fully functional.
How to check RCS availability:
- Go to Settings
- Select Apps
- Tap Messages
- Look for "RCS Messaging" option
- Toggle on RCS Messaging
- Wait for carrier activation
Additional Features in iOS 18.4 Beta
Beyond RCS support, the second beta of iOS 18.4 introduces several other notable features. iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max users gain access to Visual Intelligence, an AI-powered feature previously exclusive to the iPhone 16 line that allows users to search for and ask questions about objects viewed through the camera. The beta also adds new Control Panel options for Siri activation and Visual Intelligence, priority notification settings for all apps, enhancements to the Wallet app, and support for new emoji including a fingerprint, harp, leafless tree, and face with bags under eyes.
Other new features in iOS 18.4 Beta 2:
- Visual Intelligence for iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max
- New Control Panel options (Siri, Type to Siri, Visual Intelligence)
- Priority notifications for all apps
- Enhanced Wallet app with new menu options
- Vision Pro companion app
- New emoji (fingerprint, harp, leafless tree, face with bags under eyes, etc.)
The Path to Full RCS Adoption
This development represents a significant shift from September when Google stated that Apple needed to enable RCS interoperability for Fi users on iPhones. With iOS 18.4 currently in beta testing, the full stable release is anticipated in April, which should bring complete RCS functionality to all supported carriers and MVNOs. As with any beta software, users should consider installing it on secondary devices rather than primary phones they rely on for important communications.
