Why Apple's Silence on RCS is a Major Headache for Google Fi Users

iOS 18 is rolling out today with RCS to improve the Android-iPhone messaging experience, but support is not yet enabled for all carriers, including Google Fi Wireless. In a statement, Google tells us that “only Apple has the ability to enable RCS interoperability for iPhone users on Fi.” The Google MVNO has done all the necessary work to support iPhone RCS on its end. As of the iOS 18 launch today, RCS is enabled on the big US carriers (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon). Another MVNO we’re not seeing it available on is Mint Mobile.

Behind-the-scenes, our colleagues at 9to5Mac explain how carriers have to send an updated file, which is known as the Carrier Bundle, to Apple noting that RCS support is enabled. The iPhone maker can then distribute that file as an over-the-air update that doesn’t require a whole new version of the OS. Apple maintains a support document noting “Wireless carrier support and features for iPhone” by country. This includes 5G, eSIM, VoLTE, and Wi-Fi Calling, but Apple is not currently specifying RCS availability.

Actions