Summary
Apple rolled out iOS 18 back in September 2024, and with it came the long-awaited arrival of RCS messages–well, for some. Google Fi and other T-Mobile-based carriers were hung out to dry, but that’s finally getting fixed.
After literally years of attempted bullying from Google, Apple finally added support for RCS messaging in iOS 18. While it was a significant step forward for many people, it left users on T-Mobile-based MVNOs, like Google Fi, out in the cold. As a Google Fi customer and an Android user with an iPhone partner, this was extremely frustrating.
As I wrote previously, it was never 100% clear who was at fault in the situation. Carriers, Apple, and Google (in the case of Google Fi) seemed to each play a role in the delayed implementation. However, Apple appeared to be the most likely culprit, and indeed it’s an iOS update that is fixing the problem.
Now, with the second iOS 18.4 beta rolling out, whatever hurdles were in the way seem to have been cleared. Google Fi users can finally enjoy the benefits of RCS, including read receipts, typing indicators, and better media sharing when messaging Android users. This update brings a much-needed parity to the messaging experience, bridging the gap that has long existed between iPhone and Android.
It’s not only Google Fi that’s finally getting RCS messaging on iPhone, either. T-Mobile-based carriers thatpreviously did not have RCS on iPhoneincluded Mint Mobile, Tello, Ting, Ultra Mobile, and Optimum Mobile, among others.
The second iOS 18.4 beta is available for the public to install right now. You simply need tojoin the beta programwith a supported iPhone, and the update will be sent to your device. If you’re interested in the new RCS support, be sure to go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle “RCS Messaging” on if it isn’t already.
iOS 18.4 is about more than just RCS support for more carriers, of course. You’re now able to prioritize notifications from specific apps. If you’re rocking an iPhone 15 Pro, Visual Intelligence can now be activated from the Action button and Control Center. Plus, there are new toggles in the Control Center for quick access to Apple Intelligence and Siri.
You’ll also find seven new emojis to spice up your texts–including my personal favorite, the “face with bags under eyes.” For those who love shortcuts, there are new actions for Apple apps like Books, News, Safari, and Maps. The Wallet app gets a fresh three-dot menu, and you can even pause app downloads directly from the App Store.
