The claim

““Apple is building a ‘wall garden’—iOS 18 will automatically block RCS texts with Android users unless they switch to iMessage.””

There is no credible evidence Apple is planning to block RCS messages in iOS 18; Apple has already committed to supporting RCS, and reports indicate RCS works alongside SMS/MMS rather than being blocked.

Apple publicly announced in late 2023 that it will add support for the RCS Universal Profile to iPhone, which is the opposite of blocking RCS. Reporting from major tech outlets during iOS 18 coverage has described RCS as an additional messaging standard (alongside SMS/MMS) to improve cross-platform texting, not something iOS will disable by default. The viral framing also misunderstands how iPhone messaging currently routes: iMessage is used only when both parties are on Apple devices; otherwise messages fall back to SMS/MMS (and, once enabled, RCS where supported). While Apple’s implementation details and carrier rollout can affect availability/features, the specific claim of “automatic blocking unless they switch to iMessage” is not supported by Apple statements or reputable reporting.