Apple brings encrypted RCS chats to iPhone

2026-05-11 · Source: The Verge · Field: Technology & Digital — Cybersecurity & Data Privacy · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Apple has introduced end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iOS users communicating with Android devices, rolling out in beta as part of the iOS 26.5 update released on Monday. This feature ensures that neither Apple nor Google can access message content during transmission. Users will see a lock icon and an "Encrypted" label at the top of chats when an encrypted RCS conversation is active with an Android user on a supported carrier. Encryption will be enabled by default for new and existing RCS conversations, requiring Android users to also update to the newest version of Google Messages. iOS 26.5 also includes new wallpapers and the introduction of local ads within the Maps application, which Apple states are not linked to user accounts. Concurrently, Apple released iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5.

Key takeaway

For users concerned about privacy in cross-platform messaging, your conversations between iOS and Android devices can now be end-to-end encrypted via RCS. Ensure both your iPhone and the Android device are updated to the latest OS and Google Messages versions, respectively, to enable this feature by default. Be aware that iOS 26.5 also introduces local ads in Apple Maps.

Key insights

Apple now supports end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iOS and Android devices.

Principles

• Encryption is default for RCS chats
• Carrier support is necessary for RCS

In practice

• Update to iOS 26.5 for encrypted RCS
• Android users need latest Google Messages

Topics

• Encrypted RCS
• iOS 26.5
• Apple Messages
• Android Messaging
• End-to-End Encryption

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by The Verge.