Apple has started rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in iOS 26.5 in beta

Apple has started rolling out end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest version of Google Messages. This update marks a major step forward for cross-platform communication, providing enhanced privacy and security for users exchanging messages between iPhones and Android devices.

End-to-end encryption in RCS means that messages cannot be read by third parties while they are transmitted. This layer of security protects the contents of conversations during transit. To help users identify their encryption status, a new lock icon will now appear in RCS chats in Messages to indicate when a conversation is end-to-end encrypted.

Following the initial rollout, Apple and Google have confirmed that encryption will be enabled by default. It will be automatically applied to new and existing RCS conversations over time, requiring no manual intervention by users. This development is the result of a broad, cross-industry initiative led by Apple and Google to bring secure messaging to RCS, which is intended to supplant traditional SMS as the primary cross-platform standard.