The recent official launch of iOS 18—which was announced at the latest WWDC in 2024—has brought with it a very significant new feature: support for Rich Communication Services (RCS). This protocol, envisioned as the successor to SMS and MMS, aims to significantly improve message compatibility between iPhone and Android devices. Yet its adoption is not universal, as it largely depends on carriers. Let's take a closer look.
What is RCS and why does it matter?
As we previously explained in detail, RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a messaging standard that far exceeds the capabilities of traditional SMS, including advanced features such as multimedia content sending, typing indicators, read receipts, and group chats.
All this is handled through the device's internet connection, allowing messages to be sent anywhere in the world without additional international messaging costs.
With RCS, basic messaging on our iPhones (previously SMS or MMS) now matches the advanced features of apps like WhatsApp or Apple's own iMessage, such as sending photos or seeing when someone is typing, but with the advantage of not requiring additional apps and operating directly between phone numbers.
How to check if we can use RCS on our iPhone
Implementing RCS on iPhones requires the collaboration of mobile carriers who must enable this function. Apple has provided a specific page with a list of carriers that already support RCS, including major players like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the United States, as well as some carriers in Canada, Europe, and Asia.
Once we have updated our iPhone to iOS 18, the steps to check if we can enjoy this new functionality are simple:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to Apps.
- Tap on Messages.
- Look for the RCS option. If it appears in the menu, our carrier supports RCS. If not, it is likely that we still need to wait for them to enable it.
The future of RCS is promising. With more and more carriers upgrading to this functionality, soon we will be able to benefit from a much richer and more versatile messaging and communication experience, without the need for extra apps.
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