Apple is finally testing RCS encryption, but there’s a catch for Android users

Source: Android Authority

Ryan Haines / Android Authority

TL;DR

• Apple has started testing end‑to‑end encrypted RCS in the first iOS 26.4 developer beta.
• RCS encryption currently works only between iPhones, not between iPhone and Android.
• Apple says full RCS E2EE will arrive in a future software update across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.

Apple’s RCS Encryption Test in iOS 26.4

With the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 rolling out this week, Apple has quietly activated early support for end‑to‑end encryption (E2EE) in RCS (Rich Communication Services) within its Messages app. This brings Apple’s phone‑number‑based texting up to the same security level as Google’s RCS and Apple’s iMessage.

Earlier Signs

The first hints appeared in iOS 26.3 Beta 2, where Apple added a new setting that would let carriers turn on encryption for RCS — intended for secure communication between iPhone and Android devices. However, that encryption currently works only between iPhones. You can enable RCS E2EE in Settings and see a padlock icon in chats, but it does not secure texts with Android devices yet.

RCS on Apple Devices

Since iOS 18.1, RCS has allowed Apple to offer richer, non‑iMessage texting (green‑bubble chats) with features such as typing indicators, read receipts, and higher‑quality media. What was missing was cross‑platform encryption. Android devices have had secure RCS chats for some time, but Apple’s initial implementation did not include end‑to‑end protection outside its own ecosystem.

The limitation stems from the RCS Universal Profile version used. Apple’s first RCS rollout relied on version 2.4, which lacks E2EE. The newer Universal Profile 3.0 includes E2EE and other modern messaging features, and iOS 26.4 begins to experiment with this capability.

How the Test Works

• A new toggle appears in Settings (on by default for developers).
• When enabled, compatible carriers and devices can try out E2EE.
• Even with the switch on, encrypted chats are only possible with other iPhone users who have iMessage turned off.

Apple has clarified that RCS E2EE will not be released to the public with iOS 26.4. It is slated for a future software update that will span iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. While this means secure Apple‑to‑Android texting isn’t imminent, the move represents a significant step toward that goal.