Google Fi subscribers on iPhone finally have RCS with iOS 18.4

With the launch of iOS 18.4 today, Google Fi subscribers can finally enable RCS (Rich Communication Services) on the iPhone.

Google touts “high-res photo and video sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts” for iOS-Android conversations. 

To enable this, open Settings > Apps (at the bottom) > Messages > toggle on the RCS Messaging option under “Text Messaging.” “Waiting for activation…” might take a moment to complete.

Google Fi today notes how: “RCS on iPhones are an item of your data usage. If you are on an unlimited data plan, you will not incur any additional charges by sending RCS messages.” This refers to the Google Fi Flexible plan where you pay per GB, and not Simply Unlimited or Unlimited Plus. (This matches AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.)

All plans have unlimited calling and texting, which might need to be reassessed down the line as SMS/MMS usage declines.

It emerged earlier this month that iOS 18.4 would add Rich Communication Services support for Google Fi, as well as other T-Mobile MVNOs in the US. When iOS 18 launched in September, RCS was just enabled for the major US carriers. Support for other providers rolled out with successive point releases. Google has been waiting on Apple to add support.