In a major shift for cross-platform messaging, Apple Inc. has announced end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS chats between iPhone and Android users.
The feature arrives with iOS 26.5, aiming to close a long-standing security gap.
However, the rollout will depend on carrier support and remains in beta for now.
Apple has confirmed that iOS 26.5 introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between iPhone and Android devices.
This means messages will be secured in a way that prevents third parties from intercepting or reading them—bringing cross-platform chats closer to the privacy standards of iMessage.
The feature is enabled by default, with users able to manage it through the Messages section in Settings. Encrypted chats will be marked with a small lock icon.
Still in Beta
Despite being included in the release, Apple says encrypted RCS messaging is still in beta.
Its availability depends on whether both the sender and receiver are using carriers that support the latest RCS standards. As a result, the feature will roll out gradually rather than becoming instantly available worldwide.
Apple had previously tested E2EE for RCS in iOS 26.4, but the feature did not make it to the final release.
It later returned in the iOS 26.5 beta and remained available throughout the testing phase, leading to its official inclusion in the latest update.
Aligning iPhone-Android chats with iMessage
Until now, RCS messages between Android and iPhone users lacked encryption, unlike iMessage conversations.
With iOS 26.5—and corresponding updates like iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, and watchOS 26.5—Apple is bringing parity to cross-platform messaging security.
Apple worked alongside the GSM Association to implement this feature.
E2EE is part of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which is built on the Messaging Layer Security protocol.
The updated standard also introduces additional features, including:
- Editing and deleting messages
- Cross-platform Tapback support
- Inline replies to specific messages
