Google, Apple start testing encrypted RCS on Android and iOS 26.4
Source: 9to5Google
Google and Apple announced that testing of encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone is now underway.
Part of the RCS Universal Profile from the GSMA, messages between Android and iOS users are end‑to‑end encrypted and cannot be read by anyone else.
In the iOS Messages app, green bubbles will be prefaced by “Text Message · RCS | 🔒 Encrypted” at the center of the screen.
On Google Messages, the same lock icon appears, just like messages to Android users.
Apple introduced RCS support in iOS 18 (September 2024) to enable typing indicators, read receipts, and higher‑quality media with Android users. The iPhone maker said it would add support for end‑to‑end encrypted RCS in March 2025.
How to enable encrypted RCS on iPhone
- Install iOS 26.4 beta 2 (available on supported carriers).
- Open Settings → Messages → RCS Messaging.
- Ensure “End‑to‑End Encryption (Beta)” is enabled (toggled on by default).
How to enable encrypted RCS on Android
- Install the latest Google Messages beta.
- Join the beta program if you haven’t already: .
Note: As with all beta software, there may be message delivery issues, service interruptions, and other bugs.
End‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android is expected to roll out in a future iOS 26 update, where it will be enabled by default.