RCS messaging on iPhone has expanded, here are all of the supported US carriers

In iOS 18, Apple introduced support for RCS messaging, a new protocol that enhances the text messaging experience between iPhone and Android users. Unlike SMS, you can view read/sent receipts, send larger files, and have a typing indicator as well as features that were missing before. Initially, only the three major operators supported RCS messaging. Since then, more people have joined in the fun.

This list is based on information Straight from Appleand will be updated as new operators are added.

Supported operators:

• AT&T
• Enhanced mobility (requires iOS 18.2)
• C minaret
• consumer mobile phone
• cricket
• First Network
• H20 wireless
• T-Mobile Metro
• pure language
• Red envelope
• Spectrum movement
• T-Mobile
• TracFone / Outspoken
• US mobile phone
• Verizon
• visible
• Xfinity Mobile

That’s obviously far more than when we launched, which was mainly just AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators, or small operators) provide more support, but it’s still not complete.

Some notable exceptions on the list are Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile, which have about 3 million subscribers in the United States.

Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are particularly interesting because they are both Acquired by T-Mobile earlier this year, but it seems T-Mobile hasn’t gotten around to supporting the feature on its new sub-brand.

Are you already using RCS messaging in iOS 18? What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below.

My favorite iPhone accessories on Amazon:

Follow Michael: X/Twitter, blue sky, Instagram