Apple's iOS 26.5 update introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android devices. This feature, which was previously announced but delayed, is now available with supported carriers and is denoted by a lock symbol in the Messages app.
Overview
The end-to-end encryption feature is on by default, but users can toggle it off in the Settings app. This marks a significant shift in interoperability between Apple's and Android's messaging platforms. Apple worked with the GSM Association to implement end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, which is part of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0. This profile also includes editing and deleting messages, cross-platform Tapback support, and replying to specific messages inline during cross-platform conversations.
What it does
End-to-end encryption means that messages sent between devices cannot be intercepted and read by a third party. As of now, RCS messages sent between Android and iPhone users do not have end-to-end encryption, but iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, and watchOS 26.5 will put Android/iPhone conversations on par with iPhone to iPhone conversations that are encrypted through iMessage.
Tradeoffs
For conversations to be encrypted, both the receiver and the sender must use a carrier that supports the latest version of RCS. The feature is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time. Apple says end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging remains in beta even though it is being released in iOS 26.5.
In practical terms, this update means that users of iPhone and Android devices can now have encrypted conversations using RCS messages, similar to those already available between iPhone users through iMessage. This increased interoperability and security is a significant step forward for messaging between different device types.