In late 2023, Apple introduced RCS (Rich Communication Services) support for iPhones, a much-anticipated feature that brings a significant upgrade to the messaging experience for iPhone users. RCS, a communication standard for messaging, is widely supported on Android devices, offering features like group chat, high-resolution image and video sharing, and typing indicators—functions that had previously been unavailable in messages sent to Android devices from an iPhone.
What is RCS?
RCS is a next-generation messaging standard that aims to enhance traditional SMS and MMS messaging. Unlike SMS, which is limited in functionality, RCS allows users to send high-quality images and videos, participate in group chats, see when someone is typing, and much more. For iPhone users, these features were previously available only when messaging other iPhone users using Apple’s proprietary iMessage service. When texting someone on Android, however, these features were not supported.
With the arrival of RCS support on iPhone, Apple has bridged this gap, making cross-platform messaging more seamless and feature-rich.
Initial Launch and Carrier Support
When Apple first launched RCS support on the iPhone, it was limited to a small number of carriers, mostly large providers. At that time, many users found that the feature was not widely available, which hindered the overall adoption of the technology.
However, Apple has now expanded RCS support, as noticed by 9to5Mac, which reported an updated list of carriers that support the feature. The expanded list includes a much broader range of carriers, significantly improving access to the service.
Full List of RCS-Supported Carriers for iPhone
Here’s the updated list of carriers that support RCS messaging on the iPhone:
- AT&T
- C Spire
- Consumer Cellular
- Cricket
- FirstNet
- H20 Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
- PureTalk
- Red Pocket
- Spectrum Mobile
- T-Mobile
- TracFone / Straight Talk
- US Cellular
- Verizon
- Visible
In addition, Boost Mobile supports RCS, although it doesn’t appear officially in Apple’s list. RCS will work on iPhones running iOS 18.2 or later and only on models starting from the iPhone XS/XR onward.
Notable Missing Carriers in the U.S.
Despite the broader support for RCS, several carriers in the U.S. still do not support the messaging standard on the iPhone. Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, both of which were acquired by T-Mobile in 2024, are among the notable omissions from the list, leaving users on those networks without RCS messaging for the time being.
RCS Support in Europe
In Europe, RCS adoption on the iPhone is still in its early stages, and support is relatively limited. Many countries still lack RCS compatibility altogether. Here’s the current state of RCS support in some European countries:
- Belgium: Base, Proximus, Telenet
- Finland: SFR, O2, Telekom, Vodafone
- Spain: Masmovil, Movistar, O2, Orange, Pepephone, Vodafone, Yoigo
- Ukraine: BT, EE
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to bring RCS support to iPhones marks a significant step forward in making cross-platform communication more robust, especially for users who often text both Android and iPhone contacts. The update has dramatically expanded the number of carriers offering the service, particularly in the U.S. While RCS adoption in Europe is still catching up, the overall outlook is promising.
As more carriers around the world begin to embrace RCS, the messaging experience on iPhones is likely to improve, providing richer, faster, and more reliable communication for users across the globe.