iOS 26.5 gave Messages app encrypted RCS, here’s how to check it’s working
9to5Mac • • technology
Key Points:
- iOS 26.5 introduces support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) end-to-end encryption in the Messages app, extending encryption beyond iMessage's traditional blue bubble chats to green bubble conversations.
- RCS end-to-end encryption is currently in beta and enabled by default in iOS 26.5, but its activation depends on both the user's and recipient's carriers supporting encrypted RCS messaging.
- Users can verify if RCS encryption is enabled by navigating to Settings ⇾ Apps ⇾ Messages ⇾ RCS Messaging and ensuring the 'End-to-End Encryption' toggle is on.
- To check if a specific conversation is encrypted, users can tap the contact's name or profile image in Messages, scroll to the bottom of the details view, and read the encryption status message, which is more reliable than looking for the lock icon at the top of the chat.
- The presence of encryption is indicated by a message stating the conversation is encrypted end-to-end, ensuring messages cannot be read while in transit between devices.