After Apple released iOS 18.1 on Monday, some Koodo customers that installed it are now seeing Rich Communication Services (RCS) support disappear, according to iPhone in Canada readers.
Instead of RCS showing, text messages are now reverting back to SMS for some Koodo customers. It’s happening on a wide range of iPhones, from iPhone XR to the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max. Some users noted their RCS remained after installing iOS 18.1, so not everyone is affected it seems, with many sharing their experiences on Reddit.
RCS is a messaging protocol commonly used on Android devices. Apple added support for RCS in iOS 18, which provides users with features similar to iMessage, such as read receipts, typing indicators, delivery statuses, and enhanced media sharing when messaging Android friends and family (it’s still the green bubble though).
However, Apple’s RCS messaging feature does come with some limitations. Currently, group chat support is not available, and RCS messaging relies on wireless data. According to Apple, the service shares cellular network identifiers with your carrier and its partners to enable message delivery. Essentially, with RCS, you can see when your Android friends have read your texts and confirm when messages have been delivered. It’s way better now when messaging non-iPhone friends.
One person on Reddit did claim that RCS still works on iOS 18.2 beta on Koodo.
In iOS 18.1, Apple added support for RCS Business Messaging, allowing businesses to chat over RCS (requires carrier support).
We’ve reached out to Telus for comment and will update this story accordingly—stay tuned. Are you dealing with missing RCS on iPhone after installing iOS 18.1?
Update Oct. 30, 1:34pm PT: a Telus spokesperson told iPhone in Canada in a statement, “We’re aware of the situation and our Koodo team members are currently investigating this further.”
Thanks @koficrisp
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RCS hasn't worked for me either, since installing 18.2 though. Maybe it was a Koodo thing and just a coincidence that I installed 18.2 around the same time. The setting to enable it is still there, just all of the previous RCS conversations now say SMS.
Go to settings, general, transfer or reset, choose reset network settings and allow that. Then your phone will reboot. Please note this will remove all wifi info and you’ll have to re/enter your info.
Once you reboot your phone leave it on cellular for 10 seconds then connect to wifi. Then do a hard boot. Tap volume up, volume down, then press and hold power until the apple symbol comes on then let go.
Don't forget to sing kumbaya while doing this.
Love it. Now that's credible information — one person!
Knock on wood, I haven't had any issues with RCS and Koodo.