Apple adds end-to-end encryption to RCS in iOS 26.5, closing the last big gap with Android messaging

As part of iOS 26.5, Apple has finally added end-to-end encrypted RCS conversations with Android users in the Messages app. This has been one of the most long-awaited updates in mobile messaging, closing one of the last obvious gaps between iMessage and Android messaging and bringing cross-platform privacy protection to everyday conversations. The feature is now rolling out to users in beta.

Google and Apple described the rollout as the result of a cross-industry effort to bring encryption to RCS. With iOS 26.5, users will see a lock icon and a small "Encrypted" label at the top of the chat while having an encrypted conversation with an Android user. Apple says encryption will be enabled by default, but device owners can confirm it in Settings under the RCS Messaging menu of the Messages section.

To use end-to-end encrypted RCS, you must be on iOS 26.5 and use a supported carrier. The feature is only beginning to roll out in beta, so not all users will have access just yet. Apple still frames iMessage as the best way to communicate between Apple devices, but this update helps further close the gap between green and blue bubbles.

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End-to-end encryption is one of the most important privacy features in messaging, keeping conversations private from hackers, governments, and the platforms themselves. iMessage has been encrypted since launch, and Android users have been able to communicate with end-to-end encryption since 2021. However, cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users has remained unencrypted until now.

For users on these platforms, that meant messages between iOS and Android users were left exposed, texts from Android users would break group chats, and multimedia sharing would arrive at terrible quality. The industry-standard texting protocol, RCS, arrived in 2020, replacing SMS and introducing features such as read receipts, longer messages, and encryption. Despite Google repeatedly urging Apple to support RCS for seamless cross-platform communication, Apple resisted until regulatory pressure finally forced its hand in 2023.