Apple released the second public beta for iOS 18 on July 29, bringing new features such as text effects in Messages and ways to personalize the lock screen. One highly anticipated feature is Rich Communication Services (RCS) support in Messages, which will allow users to enjoy features like typing indicators and high-quality media sharing when messaging Android users. It is important to note that the beta is not the final version of iOS 18, so users may encounter bugs and issues with battery life, making it advisable to download the beta on a secondary device.
To check if your carrier supports RCS messaging and ensure it is enabled on your iPhone, follow these steps: Open Settings, tap General, then About, and finally tap Carrier to see if RCS is supported. If your carrier does support RCS, you will see Voice, SMS & RCS in the IMS Status. If your carrier does not support RCS, it will only show Voice & SMS. Users can then enable or disable RCS on their iPhone by going to Settings, tapping Apps, selecting Messages, and toggling RCS Messaging under Text Messaging. Restarting the iPhone may be necessary if RCS is not working despite being enabled.
If RCS messaging is still not working on your iPhone after enabling it, it may be due to bugs in the iOS 18 beta. Apple is likely to release more betas before the final version of iOS 18 is released to the public, giving them time to address any issues. It is recommended to keep an eye out for updates and improvements as Apple continues to fine-tune the software. While carriers such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile are known to support RCS on iPhones running iOS 18, users with other carriers may not have access to this feature.
As iOS 18 is still in beta, more features could be introduced before the final release this fall. It is advised to stay informed about the updates and changes coming to the operating system and to be cautious when downloading the beta on your primary device. By following the steps outlined above, users can ensure that RCS messaging is properly set up on their iPhone and enjoy enhanced communication features with Android users. Despite the initial bugs and issues that may arise with the beta, Apple is working on refining the software for a smooth and efficient user experience.
