iOS 18.4 Enables Rich Communication Features for Google Fi Users, Including High-Quality Media Sharing
April 1, 2025 — Tech News | After a long wait, Google Fi subscribers using iPhones can now officially enjoy Rich Communication Services (RCS) with the rollout of iOS 18.4, released today. The update finally brings parity to iPhone users on Google Fi, enabling high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts for conversations between iOS and Android users.
📱 How to Enable RCS on Google Fi iPhones
To activate RCS messaging on your iPhone running iOS 18.4:
Go to Settings
Scroll down and tap Apps
Select Messages
Toggle on RCS Messaging under “Text Messaging”
Wait for the “Waiting for activation…” message to complete
Once activated, users can experience a more modern, feature-rich texting environment—especially in cross-platform chats with Android users.
💬 What RCS Brings to iPhone Users on Google Fi
With RCS enabled, Google Fi users can now:
Share high-res photos and videos
See typing indicators
Receive read receipts
Enjoy more secure and stable texting over data
These features were previously exclusive to Android-to-Android communication or iPhones on major US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
💸 Data Usage & Plan Info
Google Fi has clarified that RCS messages count as data usage:
If you’re on a Flexible Plan (pay-per-GB), RCS usage will draw from your data allowance
If you’re on Simply Unlimited or Unlimited Plus, there are no additional charges
This matches policies adopted by major US carriers, helping ensure a uniform experience.
⏳ Background: RCS Rollout Timeline
iOS 18 launched in September 2024, bringing RCS support only for major carriers
Smaller MVNOs like Google Fi were excluded at first
With iOS 18.4, Apple has expanded RCS support to Google Fi and other T-Mobile MVNOs
Google has long been ready on the technical front, and today’s update reflects Apple’s gradual rollout of broader RCS support.
🔮 What’s Next?
With RCS now on all major US carriers and MVNOs—including Google Fi on iPhones—text messaging in the U.S. has taken a major step forward. As SMS/MMS usage declines, Apple and Google may soon need to reassess unlimited text policies in light of the data-first nature of RCS.
This move also reflects Apple’s growing openness to standards demanded by global regulators and tech partners, especially ahead of the EU’s Digital Markets Act enforcement.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
