Apple and Google Start Beta Rollout of Encrypted RCS Messaging
Apple and Google have launched a beta rollout of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, enabling secure cross-platform chats between iPhone and Android users with iOS 26.5 and Google Messages. The feature, enabled by default, adds encryption to RCS conversations while expanding privacy protections beyond Apple’s existing iMessage encryption for Apple devices.
Apple and Google are rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta, improving privacy for cross-platform chats between iPhone and Android users. Starting with iOS 26.5 and the latest Google Messages, users will see a lock icon in encrypted conversations, with encryption enabled by default for both new and existing chats. RCS, which replaces traditional SMS, now includes encryption to prevent message interception during transmission. This follows a collaborative effort by Apple, Google, and industry partners to enhance messaging security. While Apple’s iMessage remains end-to-end encrypted for Apple devices, this update extends stronger security to chats between iPhone and Android users. The rollout depends on carrier support and software compatibility, with availability varying by region. The feature builds on RCS’s existing capabilities, such as media sharing and read receipts, while addressing prior limitations in cross-platform encryption. Apple emphasized its long-standing commitment to secure communication, positioning this as a major privacy advancement for interoperable messaging.
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