What Does RCS Text Message Mean on iPhone?
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a modern messaging standard that was initially adopted by Google Messages and then by Samsung. It ditches cellular network standards like SMS and MMS and works on Wi-Fi and mobile data instead. Text messaging via RCS on iPhones works just like on Android. There’s features like message reactions, read receipts, and high-quality media sharing, finally bridging the texting gap between iOS and Android. On the more technical side of things, Apple currently employs an older version of RCS, even on iOS 26 but there plans to feature the latest version 3.0 with the iOS 26.1 update.
Which Carriers Support RCS Messaging on iPhone
While the RCS has been widely rolled out globally across most carriers, if you are an iPhone user in the US, Canada, or Europe, then these are some carriers, according to Apple, that support RCS text messages on iPhone.
AT&T C Spire Consumer Cellular Cricket FirstNet Metro by T-Mobile PureTalk Red Pocket Spectrum T-Mobile USA TracFone / Straight Talk US Cellular Verizon Wireless Visible Xfinity Mobile
You can check out this Apple Support page to learn whether your wireless carrier supports sending text messages through RCS in your current region.
How to Enable RCS Messaging on iPhone
If your iPhone is running iOS 18 or above, then you will need to enable RCS on your iPhone inside the Settings app. But the process is quite simple, and let me show you how to activate RCS messaging on iPhone. Now, open the Messages app and try sending RCS messages to a contact or reacting to existing messages. If RCS doesn’t work, toggle it off and on again, restart your iPhone, or turn on and off Airplane Mode.
Difference Between SMS, RCS Messages and iMessage on iPhone
It might be not apparant for many iPhone users, what exactly is the difference between sending a text message through RCS, SMS or iMessages. Especially when texting an Android user as the bubbles will appear green nonetheless so I have summed up all the differences in one table.
What Happens When You RCS Message From iPhone to Android?
When you send an RCS message from your iPhone to a friend with an Android, the message sent will show a RCS tag. The chat bubble will show up as green colored because Apple wouldn’t want to stop forcing Android users to switch to iMessage. The Green and Blue bubble war is very much alive and here to stay; it’s just been eased a little. Besides, there’s support for group chats. The RCS text message will show a read receiept when the other person has seen the text, and you both can share high quality images, videos, GIFs and more. The only caveat here is that, while RCS messaging on Android supports end to end encryption, RCS on iPhone does not. That’s because Apple is using Universal Profile which is a basic version of RCS. But the upcoming iOS 26 update could change that.
How’s the Current Experience Using RCS?
In our experience, RCS on iPhone is still feels beta-esque. From read receipts to high-quality media, and file transfers, everything seems to be working as intended. When you try to message a contact, the placeholder text in the text box will say “RCS message” and not “SMS.” That’s how you know RCS is available. There were instances where read receipts ceased to work in group chats. There also seems to be a known issue with message reactions, as they sometimes work one way, from Google’s side and not on Apple’s.
Common RCS Messaging Issues and Fixes for iPhone
If RCS is not working for you on iOS 18 for some reason or the other, then here are some quick fixes to get it back on track:
Ensure the person you’re messaging also has RCS enabled. Make sure RCS is enabled in Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging. Check that your iPhone has an active internet connection. Close the Messages app by swiping it up from recents and reopen it to refresh RCS. Update to the latest iOS version for bug fixes and stability. Remove your SIM if your iPhone has a SIM tray and reinsert it to try again. If your iPhone only supports eSIM then reset network by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings. Contact your carrier to confirm if RCS is supported on your network.
These is pretty much everything necessary that you needed to know about text messaging through RCS on your iPhone. While it doesn’t solve the green bubble/blue bubble debate, it is a step to brings the 2 operating system closer. So if you have used RCS messaging on iPhone then share us your experience and if we haven’t addressed any issue then let us know in the comments below. Name Email ID
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