Apple is adding RCS (Rich Communication Services) to iPhones with iOS 18. For RCS to work, US mobile carriers need to update their systems. Some carriers, like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, have already done this and are now enabling RCS for users with iOS 18 beta 2.
RCS lets iPhone users send better messages with audio and large media files to Android users. It also shows if someone has read your message, a feature previously only available on iMessage. RCS messages still have green bubbles, but the Messages app now displays “Text Message – RCS”.
If you have iOS 18 beta 2 and use AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon, you can try RCS. To turn it on, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. If you don’t see an RCS option, your carrier might not support it yet. Carriers have until the fall to update their systems before iOS 18 is officially released.
iOS 18 is currently in beta, with a public beta expected next month.