Apple has updated its support page to reveal which US carriers and MVNOs allow RCS messaging on iOS 18. The list includes major carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Consumer Cellular, as well as smaller providers like Cricket and Visible.
However, it’s worth noting that the list is not exhaustive, with some carriers like Boost Mobile and Google Fi missing. Additionally, while RCS messaging offers benefits like improved image sharing quality and read receipts, it lacks end-to-end encryption, a feature Apple has promised to add in the future.
For Android users, this means iPhone owners can now send secure messages to their friends and family using RCS. However, if security is top priority, it’s recommended to use an encrypted messaging app instead, as RCS remains insecure.
In contrast, traditional SMS-like messaging does not provide end-to-end encryption, making it less secure for sensitive communications. With the FBI recommending against using this type of messaging, Android users can now enjoy more secure and feature-rich communication with their iPhone-owning friends and family.
Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/phones/iphones/iphone-users-can-now-send-rcs-messages-to-android-but-only-with-these-carriers