Apple has officially introduced end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones and Android devices with the rollout of iOS 26.5.
Apple and Google have announced end-to-end encryption (E2EE) support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats between iPhones and Android devices.
The feature arrives with Apple’s new iOS 26.5 update and marks one of the biggest privacy upgrades for cross-platform messaging between the two ecosystems.
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What changes with the new update?
Apple first added RCS support with iOS 18, allowing iPhone and Android users to access features such as:
- Typing indicators
- Read receipts
- High-quality photo and video sharing
However, those chats were not encrypted end-to-end at the time.
With iOS 26.5, RCS conversations between compatible iPhone and Android devices can now be fully encrypted, meaning only the sender and receiver can read the messages.
According to Apple and Google, even the companies themselves or telecom operators cannot access the contents of those chats.
Why end-to-end encryption matters
End-to-end encryption scrambles messages so they remain private during transmission.
This protection is already common on apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, but cross-platform texting between iPhone and Android users previously lacked the same level of security.
The addition of E2EE to RCS is seen as a major step in improving privacy standards for standard messaging services.
How users can identify encrypted chats
iPhone users will see:
“Text Message · RCS | Encrypted” along with a lock icon in supported conversations.
Meanwhile, Android users using Google Messages will continue to see the familiar lock icon for encrypted chats.
Apple says encryption is automatically enabled for supported RCS chats after updating to iOS 26.5, while Android users must update Google Messages to the latest version.
Feature currently in beta phase
The encrypted RCS feature is currently rolling out in beta with supported telecom carriers and is expected to expand to more users over the coming months.
Apple had earlier tested the feature in beta versions of iOS 26.4 before officially launching it with the stable iOS 26.5 update.
Other major features in iOS 26.5
Apart from encrypted RCS chats, iOS 26.5 also introduces:
- Suggested Places in Apple Maps
- New App Store subscription billing options
- Easier pairing for Magic accessories
- New Pride wallpapers
Improved Android-to-iPhone data transfer options
The update also includes region-specific changes linked to European Union and Brazilian regulations.
Published: 12 May 2026, 08:59 am IST
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