Apple Begins Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages in iOS 26.4 Beta
Source: MacRumors
Overview
Apple is testing secure messaging between Android and iOS devices with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4. The updates introduce end‑to‑end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, a security feature that is not currently available for cross‑platform messaging.
Background
- iMessage, Apple’s native messaging protocol, has long supported end‑to‑end encryption.
- RCS messages between Android devices also feature E2EE, but there has been no full encryption for Android‑to‑iPhone (or vice‑versa) communications.
- Apple has been working with the GSM Association (GSMA) to implement E2EE for RCS messages.
Beta Features
Developers running the iOS 26.4 beta will see a new switch in the Settings app that is turned on by default. The toggle enables testing of end‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging for supported devices and carriers.
- Most carriers that support RCS will also support RCS E2EE, according to Apple.
- During the first beta, RCS encryption is available for testing on Apple devices only when iMessage is disabled.
Encryption Indicator
- iPhone users with the beta installed will see a lock icon in RCS chats, indicating that E2EE is enabled.
- The lock icon will also appear in iMessage chats.
Rollout Plan
- RCS end‑to‑end encryption for Apple devices will roll out to beta users gradually, so not everyone will have access right away.
- Encryption will become available over time, and you can tell if it’s enabled through the lock icon.
- Cross‑platform testing between iPhone users and Android users will begin at a later date.
Future Updates
E2EE for RCS will require Apple to adopt RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which the GSMA published with Apple’s input. Apple currently supports RCS Universal Profile 2.4.
RCS Universal Profile 3.0 will also add features for:
- Editing text messages
- Deleting text messages
- Replying to specific messages inline during cross‑platform conversations
This article, “Apple Begins Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages in iOS 26.4 Beta,” first appeared on MacRumors.com.