Apple released the fifth public beta of iOS 26 on Aug. 25. The update brought a new Liquid Glass design, call screening and more to the iPhones of developers and beta testers. But when Apple released iOS 18 in 2024, that update introduced the messaging protocol Rich Communication Services to all iPhones.
With RCS messaging, you get features like typing indicators and the “Delivered” status message while messaging Android users. It also helps ensure high-quality videos and pictures are sent when texting between iPhone and Android devices. Then, with iOS 18.1, Apple brought RCS Business Messaging to iPhones, which means you’ll be able to chat with some businesses in Messages rather than a buggy web page.
However, RCS on iPhone doesn’t provide end-to-end encryption between iPhones and Android devices yet. The GSM Association, which develops the RCS standard, said in 2024 that it’s working to enable end-to-end encryption between these devices. And according to Android Authority, RCS on iPhones could get end-to-end encryption with iOS 26 soon — I’m predicting in the next few weeks.
Here’s how to check if your carrier supports RCS and how to make sure it’s enabled on your iPhone.
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Does my carrier support RCS messaging?
Most carriers support RCS, but not all of them. For example, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon support RCS on iPhones running iOS 18. If your iPhone is running iOS 18.6.2, here are all the US carriers that support RCS on iPhone.
- AT&T
- C Spire
- Consumer Cellular
- Cricket
- Family Mobile
- FirstNet
- H20 Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
- PureTalk
- RedPocket Mobile
- Spectrum Mobile
- T-Mobile
- TracFone / Straight Talk
- Ultra Mobile
- US Cellular
- Verizon
- Visible
- Xfinity Mobile
If you live outside of the US, here’s how to check on your iPhone for whether your carrier supports RCS messaging on your device.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Tap Carrier.
When you tap Carrier, it will change to IMS Status and show messaging support details to the right. For example, if your carrier supports RCS, you’ll see Voice, SMS & RCS. If your carrier doesn’t support RCS, you’ll see Voice & SMS.
If your carrier doesn’t support RCS Messaging, have no fear, as Apple is reportedly expanding support to more carriers in the future.
How to enable or disable RCS on your iPhone
If your carrier supports RCS, here’s how to make sure it’s working on your iPhone.
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps near the bottom of the menu.
3. Tap Messages.
4. Tap RCS Messaging under Text Messaging.
4. Tap the toggle next to RCS Messaging.
Now messaging Android devices will feel more like messaging another iPhone — but you’ll still see those green bubbles. And if you want to disable RCS, follow the above steps again.
Why won’t RCS work on my iPhone?
If you updated your iPhone to iOS 18.6.2, your carrier supports RCS and you enabled it on your iPhone, but RCS isn’t working for you, you might need to restart your iPhone.
Is it safe to message Android devices?
Yes, but you should use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, like Signal. RCS on iPhone is not end-to-end encrypted, and the FBI and US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are advising iPhone and Android users not to message each other because of a cyberattack. According to officials, the cyberattack is targeting telecom companies, including AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies. The attack might have compromised private texts, phone conversations and call metadata on mobile devices.
The GSMA, a nonprofit that develops the Rich Communication Services standard, announced in March that it’s adding interoperable encryption to RCS messaging, allowing for end-to-end encryption between different providers. Apple and Google collaborated on the protocol and according to The Verge, both companies will implement it.
“We will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and WatchOS in future software updates,” an Apple spokesperson told The Verge.
According to Android Authority, code in the iOS 26 beta suggests Apple could bring end-to-end encryption to Messages when the company releases iOS 26 to the public this fall.
For more iOS news, here are my first impressions of the beta version of iOS 26, how to enable call screening in the beta and all the new features Apple said it will bring to your device later this year. You can get an early view of the upcoming iPhone features with our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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