Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.5 update is set to introduce end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iPhone and Android users, addressing a long-standing privacy shortfall in cross-platform communication.
The update is outlined in the changelog for the latest iOS 26.5 test build, which highlights new safeguards for text messaging. Apple notes that “end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.”
Encryption will be enabled by default. After updating to iOS 26.5, users can verify it by going to Settings, selecting Messages, and opening the RCS Messaging menu.
9to5Google reports that iPhone users will see a lock symbol in the Messages app when a conversation with an Android contact is encrypted. On Android, Google Messages will display these chats the same way it already shows other encrypted RCS messages.
Apple first brought RCS to iPhones with iOS 18. Last year, the GSM Association updated the standard to support end-to-end encryption across platforms. Apple said it would add that extra layer later, and now it finally looks like it’s happening. It actually started testing things behind the scenes in February with the iOS 26.4 beta, but didn’t plan to launch it there.
More privacy is always a good thing, and encrypted RCS helps make iOS 26.5 feel like more than just a small update.
Maybe you would like other interesting articles?