Encrypted RCS between Android and iPhone launching with iOS 26.5
Source: 9to5Google
With the upcoming launch of iOS 26.5, Apple will add support for end‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging between the iPhone and Google Messages on Android.
Apple today made available the release candidate of iOS 26.5 to developers and public testers. The changelog includes the entry: “End-to‑end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.”
This capability has been in testing since February. As part of the RCS Universal Profile from the GSMA, messages between Android and iOS users cannot be read by anyone else because they are sent directly between phones.
Once available, the iPhone Messages app will display “Text Message · RCS | 🔒 Encrypted” at the center of conversations with Android users.
On Google Messages, the same lock icon will appear, just like in conversations with other Android users.
Enabling Encrypted RCS
- Open Settings → Messages → RCS Messaging.
- Ensure End‑to‑End Encryption (Beta) is enabled (it is toggled on by default).
Android devices must be running the latest version of Google Messages.
iOS 26.5 is expected to launch in the next week or so.