iOS 26.5 Will Add End-To-End Encryption For RCS Messages Between Apple And Android
The latest test version of iOS 26.5 includes a changelog for new text protections. The smartphone operating system will deploy end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between Apple and Android devices. “End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available from supported carriers and will roll out over time,” is Apple’s official wording on the addition. The setting will be enabled by default, but Apple device owners can confirm it in Settings under the RCS Mail menu in the Messages section once they’re running iOS 26.5.
According to 9to5GoogleA lock icon will appear in an iPhone user’s Messages app when chats on an Android device take advantage of encryption. On the Android side, Google Messages chats on iOS devices will look the same as when messaging another user(s) with encrypted RCS.
Apple added the RCS messaging option in iOS 18. The GSM Association, which operates the RCS protocol, added support for E2EE between operating systems last year. At the time, Apple said it would bring the additional layer of security “in future software updates” which finally appear to have arrived. The tech company began testing the technology in February as part of iOS 26.4, although Apple clarified that it has no plans to officially roll out the encryption feature with this launch. More protections to keep communications private is almost always a good thing to see, so it’s a welcome addition to what might otherwise be a more incremental iOS 26.5 update.
