With iOS 18, Apple introduced support for RCS messaging, a new protocol that enhances the texting experience between iPhone and Android users. Unlike SMS, you can see read/delivered receipts, send larger files, and have typing indicators, features that were previously missing. At first, only the big three carriers supported RCS messaging. Since then, a lot more have joined in on the fun.
This is obviously far more than what we had at launch, which was primarily just AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. There's a lot more support from MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators, ie small carriers) - but it still isn't very complete.
Some notable exceptions from the list are Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Ultra Mobile. Boost Mobile is the fourth largest US carrier with over 7 million customers, and haven't yet supported the feature.
Mint Mobile and Ultra Mobile are particularly interesting because they were both acquired by T-Mobile earlier this year, but seemingly T-Mobile hasn't yet gotten around to supporting the feature on its new sub-brands.
Have you gotten to use RCS messaging with iOS 18 yet? What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below.