RCS Encryption Ready to Rollout Between iPhones and Android
Droid Life • • technology
Key Points:
- Google and Apple are beginning the rollout of end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS messaging between iPhones and Android devices with the iOS 26.5 update, following initial testing in iOS 26.4 beta builds.
- The E2EE RCS feature remains in beta and will be available through supported carriers, with a gradual rollout expected over time.
- Carrier support, particularly in the US, may delay widespread adoption due to historically slow and inconsistent implementation of RCS services.
- Despite some ongoing issues, RCS has improved messaging features like group chats, media sharing, and reactions between Android and iPhone users.
- A known problem with VPNs, especially NordVPN, interfering with RCS messaging between platforms may be addressed in the iOS 26.5 update.
