iPhone users running iOS 18 beta 2 can now send and receive RCS messages as Apple and select mobile carriers began activating the new messaging protocol for a better texting experience with non-iOS devices.

Shortly after the release of iOS 18 beta 2, it was discovered that Apple had added a new RCS toggle in the Settings app under Apps -> Messages -> RCS Messaging. While the toggle was present and functional, select carriers in the United States only began enabling support of the new protocol a few days after the beta’s release.

So far, it seems that RCS messaging isn’t enabled for everyone running iOS 18 beta 2, suggesting a phased rollout process ahead of the public release of iOS 18 later this year. At the time of writing, RCS texts appear to be limited to US-based iPhone users on T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. Availability is likely to expand to more regions with subsequent iOS 18 beta builds and increasing support from carriers worldwide.

RCS support is one of the many improvements Apple announced for the iOS 18 Messages app at WWDC 2024. The new protocol aims to replace today’s SMS/MMS, providing a more universal cross-platform messaging experience between iPhone and Android.

• Share High-Resolution Media: Send and receive photos and videos in their uncompressed glory, preserving every detail for a truly immersive experience.
• Read Receipts and Typing Indicators: No more wondering if your message was delivered! Gain real-time insights into message delivery and understand when your recipient is composing a reply.
• Enhanced Group Chats: Gone are the days of fragmented group chats on iOS where Android users are excluded. RCS enables seamless group communication, ensuring everyone can participate equally, regardless of their device.

Other features coming to the Messages app include scheduled texts, enhanced Tapback reactions with emoji support, rich text effects, and Apple Intelligence features like Smart Reply, custom Genmoijs, priority notifications, and missed text summarization.