Abstract

• Apple lastly added RCS messaging help in iOS 18, benefiting many however leaving T-Cellular-based carriers out initially.
• The second iOS 18.4 beta now brings RCS messaging to Google Fi and different T-Cellular-based carriers on iPhone.
• The replace additionally contains new options like prioritizing app notifications, Visible Intelligence shortcuts, new emojis, and Apple app shortcuts.

Apple rolled out iOS 18 again in September 2024, and with it got here the long-awaited arrival of RCS messages–properly, for some. Google Fi and different T-Cellular-based carriers had been frolicked to dry, however that’s lastly getting fastened.

After actually years of tried bullying from Google, Apple lastly added help for RCS messaging in iOS 18. Whereas it was a major step ahead for many individuals, it left customers on T-Cellular-based MVNOs, like Google Fi, out within the chilly. As a Google Fi buyer and an Android consumer with an iPhone companion, this was extraordinarily irritating.

As I wrote previously, it was by no means 100% clear who was at fault within the state of affairs. Carriers, Apple, and Google (within the case of Google Fi) appeared to every play a job within the delayed implementation. Nonetheless, Apple seemed to be the almost certainly perpetrator, and certainly it’s an iOS replace that’s fixing the issue.

Now, with the second iOS 18.4 beta rolling out, no matter hurdles had been in the way in which appear to have been cleared. Google Fi customers can lastly get pleasure from the advantages of RCS, together with learn receipts, typing indicators, and higher media sharing when messaging Android customers. This replace brings a much-needed parity to the messaging expertise, bridging the hole that has lengthy existed between iPhone and Android.

It’s not solely Google Fi that’s lastly getting RCS messaging on iPhone, both. T-Cellular-based carriers that previously did not have RCS on iPhone included Mint Cellular, Tello, Ting, Extremely Cellular, and Optimum Cellular, amongst others.

The second iOS 18.4 beta is on the market for the general public to put in proper now. You merely must join the beta program with a supported iPhone, and the replace will likely be despatched to your gadget. In the event you’re within the new RCS help, make sure you go to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle “RCS Messaging” on if it isn’t already.

iOS 18.4 is about extra than simply RCS help for extra carriers, after all. You are now in a position to prioritize notifications from particular apps. In the event you’re rocking an iPhone 15 Professional, Visible Intelligence can now be activated from the Motion button and Management Middle. Plus, there are new toggles within the Management Middle for fast entry to Apple Intelligence and Siri.

You will additionally discover seven new emojis to boost your texts–together with my private favourite, the “face with bags under eyes.” For many who love shortcuts, there are new actions for Apple apps like Books, Information, Safari, and Maps. The Pockets app will get a contemporary three-dot menu, and you may even pause app downloads instantly from the App Retailer.

iOS 18 is appropriate with these iPhone fashions:

Supply: David Imel (Bluesky), 9to5Mac