Google Fi Brings RCS Messaging to iPhone with iOS 18.4 Update

With the release of iOS 18.4, Google Fi subscribers using iPhones can now enable RCS (Rich Communication Services). This update brings features like high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts for conversations between iOS and Android devices. To activate RCS, users need to navigate to Settings > Apps > Messages and toggle on the 'RCS Messaging' option under 'Text Messaging.' The activation process may take a few moments to complete.

Google Fi notes that using RCS will count towards data usage, but users on unlimited data plans won't incur additional charges for sending RCS messages. This is consistent with other major US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. All Google Fi plans include unlimited calling and texting, which may be reassessed in the future as SMS/MMS usage decreases.

The addition of RCS support for Google Fi and other T-Mojo MVNOs was expected earlier this month as part of iOS 18.4's updates.