iOS 18 brings RCS to the iPhone: how to check if your carrier supports it

Yesterday, Monday, Apple officially launched iOS 18, and with it came one of the most anticipated features for many: support for Rich Communication Services, better known as RCS. This new protocol will significantly improve communications between iPhone and Android, allowing the sending of messages with features similar to iMessage. However, the functionality of RCS is not guaranteed for all users, as it depends on the carriers enabling it for their customers. Let’s see how to find out if our carrier supports RCS on the iPhone and how to enable it.

Apple Support Download

What is RCS, and what are its advantages?

RCS is a messaging protocol that enhances the functions of SMS and MMS, allowing the sending of enriched text messages with images, videos, audio, and larger files. Additionally, it adds features typical of instant messaging apps, such as read receipts, typing indicators, and the ability to send messages in group chats. All of this is done via mobile data or Wi-Fi, which means we can send a message to any number worldwide for free.

Is My Carrier Compatible with RCS on iPhone?

To be able to use RCS on our iPhone, your carrier must enable this feature. Apple has launched a specific page on its website where it details which carriers have already activated RCS for their iPhone users.

In the United States, major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have supported it since the launch of iOS 18. Additionally, some carriers in Canada, Europe, and Asia have also taken the step, but not all have done so yet.

In Spain, Movistar, O2, Orange, Pepephone, Vodafone, and Yoigo already have RCS support.

How to check if you have RCS enabled on the iPhone

If you have already updated your iPhone to iOS 18, you can check if our carrier supports RCS by accessing the device settings. The steps are as follows:

1. We open the Settings app.
2. We go to Apps.
3. We tap on Messages.
4. We look for the RCS option.

If you don’t see this option, it is likely that your carrier has not yet enabled support for RCS on the iPhone. Apple has indicated that carriers need to implement an updated configuration package for RCS to be available on devices with iOS 18.

Apple Support Download

iOS 18 marks a significant advancement in interoperability between iPhone and Android thanks to the arrival of RCS. While its availability depends on the carriers, the expansion of this protocol in the coming months will allow more and more people to enjoy a rich messaging experience.