Shop E Store In iOS 18, Apple introduced support for RCS Messaging, a new protocol that enhances the text messaging experience between iPhone and Android users. Unlike SMS, you can see read/delivered receipts, send larger files, and have a typing indicator, a feature not previously available. Initially, only three major carriers supported RCS messaging. Since then, many more have joined in on the fun.
This list is based on information directly from Apple and will be updated as new carriers are added.
Supported carriers:
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile (requires iOS 18.2)
- C Spire
- consumer mobile phone
- cricket
- first net
- H20 wireless
- T-Mobile Metro
- pure talk
- red pocket
- spectrum mobile
- T-Mobile
- TracFone / Straight Talk
- us cell phone
- verizon
- appear
- xfinity mobile
This is clearly much higher than at launch, when it was primarily AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Support from MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or Small Operators) is increasing, but not yet complete.
Notable exceptions to this list include Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, which have approximately 3 million subscribers in the United States.
Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are of particular interest as they were both acquired by T-Mobile earlier this year, but it appears that T-Mobile has not yet begun supporting the feature in the new sub-brands.
Is RCS Messaging now available in iOS 18? What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments section below.
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