As part of a “cross-industry effort” to replace traditional SMS with a more secure alternative, Apple formally introduced iOS 26.5 on Monday, which supports end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to Rich Communication Services (RCS) in beta.
In order to achieve this, E2EE RCS messaging is being made available to Android users using the most recent version of Google Messages and iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with compatible carriers. In all platforms, the feature is turned on by default for both new and ongoing conversations.
RCS is a contemporary internet-based messaging protocol that enables users of iPhones and Android devices to send and receive read receipts, view typing indicators, and exchange high-resolution images and videos—features that are commonly seen in instant messaging applications. It is based on the RCS Universal Profile, an industry standard.
According to a statement from Apple, RCS communications that are end-to-end encrypted cannot be read while they are being transmitted between devices. When users notice a new lock icon in their RCS chats read more about iOS 26.5 Brings Default End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging Between iPhone and Android.
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