iOS 26.5 Brings End-to-End Encryption to iPhone-Android RCS Messages
MacRumors • • technology
Key Points:
- Apple confirmed that end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android devices will be introduced in iOS 26.5, as noted in the update's release notes.
- The E2EE feature is currently in beta and requires both sender and receiver to use carriers that support the latest RCS version; it will roll out gradually with encryption enabled by default and indicated by a lock symbol in Messages.
- Testing for E2EE began in iOS 26.4 but was not launched until the iOS 26.5 beta, where it has been available throughout the beta phase.
- E2EE ensures messages cannot be intercepted or read by third parties, bringing Android/iPhone RCS conversations to the same encrypted level as iPhone-to-iPhone iMessage chats.
- Apple collaborated with the GSM Association to implement E2EE as part of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which also introduces features like message editing, deleting, cross-platform Tapback support, and inline replies.
