How to Check if You Have RCS Messaging on iPhone

Recently, Apple released the second public beta of iOS 18, introducing a variety of new features, including enhanced personalization options for the lock screen and new text effects in Messages. One of the most exciting additions is support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in Messages, which aims to improve messaging capabilities between iPhone and Android users.

What is RCS?

RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is an upgrade from standard SMS, providing improved messaging features such as typing indicators, read receipts, the ability to send longer messages, and the option to share high-quality images and videos. While RCS is similar to iMessage, it was initially available only to Android users. As a result, iPhone users have traditionally communicated with Android users via SMS, which lacks these enhanced features. The adoption of RCS by Apple allows for seamless and feature-rich messaging between iPhone and Android users, eliminating the need to revert to SMS for cross-platform communication.

iOS 18 Public Beta RCS Messaging

The recent iOS 18 public beta update enables RCS messaging support on iPhones. However, this feature is currently available only through select mobile carriers in the U.S. Apple has also released iOS 18 Beta 3, which expands RCS support to more carriers globally. For users in Canada, those with Videotron, Telus Mobility, and Bell can enjoy RCS messaging by using iOS 18 Public Beta 2.

How to Check if Your Carrier Has Enabled RCS Support in iOS 18

If you’re using iOS 18 Public Beta 2 and want to see if your carrier supports RCS messaging, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings App: Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.

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2. Access General Settings: Tap on General.

3. Go to About: Select About from the General menu.

4. Check Physical SIM Section: Scroll down to the Physical SIM section and tap on the Carrier option.

5. View IMS Status: Tapping the Carrier option will change it to display the IMS Status.

6. Determine RCS Support: If your iPhone supports RCS messaging, you will see Voice, SMS & RCS listed as the IMS Status. If it shows only Voice & SMS, your carrier does not support RCS yet.

If your carrier does support RCS, you’ll need to enable the RCS Messaging feature in the Messages app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle on RCS Messaging.

This article provides a guide on how to check if your carrier supports RCS messaging on your iPhone. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment. If you found this guide useful, please share it with your friends! Learn More