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Google Fi users who own an iPhone can now enjoy Rich Communication Services (RCS) when messaging with Android users, thanks to the latest update in iOS 18.4 beta. This long-awaited feature allows for more advanced text messaging, including high-quality images, video, and other media types. Apple’s embrace of RCS finally allows iPhone users to break free from the limitations of SMS and MMS text messaging, adding new functionality that brings iPhone and Android closer together.
This change comes as part of iOS 18.4’s second public beta, which also introduces a variety of other features and improvements. If you’re a Google Fi subscriber or using an MVNO that operates on T-Mobile’s network, read on to find out how to activate RCS and check its availability on your device.
What’s New with iOS 18.4 and RCS?
With iOS 18.4, Apple has added support for RCS, which has been a long-time request from iPhone users. RCS replaces traditional SMS and MMS messaging with a much richer experience, enabling users to send larger files, high-quality photos and videos, and audio messages. Users can also benefit from features such as read receipts, more emojis, and enhanced group chat functionality.
Previously, iPhone and Android users had to rely on SMS or MMS for cross-platform messaging. This made it difficult to share media-rich messages between devices. However, with RCS, the limitations are lifted, and now iPhone users on Google Fi and other T-Mobile MVNOs, including Boost Mobile and Mint Mobile, can send and receive RCS messages without restrictions.
How to Check if RCS is Activated
If you’re on Google Fi or a T-Mobile MVNO and want to make sure RCS is enabled on your iPhone, follow these steps:
1. Download the second public beta of iOS 18.4.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Select Apps, then tap Messages.
4. Scroll down and select RCS Messaging.
- Make sure the RCS Messaging toggle is turned on.
Once activated, you’ll have to wait for your carrier to confirm the feature is fully live on your network.
Other Features in iOS 18.4 Beta
Beyond RCS, iOS 18.4 introduces several exciting features:
- Visual Intelligence: Available for iPhone 15 Pro models, this AI-powered tool helps users search for and ask questions about objects seen through the camera.
- Priority Notifications: A new feature that allows users to prioritize specific app notifications, ensuring they’re seen even on the lock screen.
- Wallet App Updates: Apple’s Wallet app now includes a new three-dot button for easier access to orders, subscriptions, and payments made via Apple Pay.
- New Emojis: A selection of new emojis, including a harp, shovel, and face with bags under eyes, are now available. However, both sender and receiver need to be using iOS 18.4 to see them.
- Vision Pro App: Owners of Apple’s Vision Pro headset will benefit from an updated app that provides details about the headset and access to content.
How to Install the iOS 18.4 Beta
To install the second public beta of iOS 18.4, follow these steps:
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select General, then Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 18 Public Beta.
- After enabling beta updates, return to the Software Update section to download and install the beta.
Note: As this is a beta version, it’s recommended to install it on a secondary device, as betas can be unstable and might cause issues with essential apps or functions.
What Undercode Says:
Apple’s integration of RCS into iOS is a major leap forward for cross-platform communication, and Google Fi’s inclusion in this update is a particularly significant move. For years, iPhone and Android users have been stuck in an ecosystem where SMS and MMS were the primary ways to exchange messages. This limitation meant that media-heavy conversations between iPhone and Android users were often frustrating. RCS changes this by allowing for richer content, higher quality visuals, and a more interactive experience, something that iPhone users have long been missing.
The addition of RCS support is also a significant win for Google Fi, which had previously been left behind as other major U.S. carriers, like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, began rolling out RCS to their customers. Now, users on Google Fi and other MVNOs using T-Mobile’s network can finally take advantage of the advanced messaging capabilities of RCS.
However, it’s important to remember that this is still part of a beta release, so some users may experience bugs or instability. Apple is likely to fine-tune these features before the final release. Plus, the rollout of RCS functionality may vary depending on your carrier, so not all users will have immediate access.
From a broader perspective, this update hints at Apple’s willingness to embrace industry standards and work towards better interoperability with Android. For years, Apple has been somewhat reluctant to support RCS, but with this update, the company is showing that it’s ready to meet user demand for a more unified messaging experience across devices.
In the long run, this move could lead to a smoother communication experience for millions of users, bridging the gap between iOS and Android. However, the success of RCS will largely depend on how quickly carriers like Google Fi, Boost Mobile, and others fully implement and support it.
The of these new features is an indication that Apple is increasingly focusing on making the iPhone more versatile and compatible with evolving tech trends. As we move closer to the full iOS 18.4 rollout, users can expect more refinements and enhancements that will further improve their mobile experience.
Fact Checker Results:
- RCS Messaging: Accurate. Google Fi and T-Mobile MVNOs now support RCS in iOS 18.4 beta.
- iOS 18.4 Features: Accurate. Multiple updates including Visual Intelligence and priority notifications are confirmed.
- New Emojis: Accurate. New emojis like the fingerprint and root vegetable are available, pending adoption.
References:
Reported By: https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-fi-users-finally-get-rcs-on-iphone-heres-how-to-check-if-its-activated/
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