Apple has announced that end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iPhone and Android devices will be included in iOS 26.5. The feature has been in testing since the beta of iOS 26.4 and is currently available in the release candidate of iOS 26.5. This release candidate is the version Apple plans to release publicly, assuming no last-minute issues arise.
For end-to-end encryption to work in cross-platform RCS conversations, both devices need to meet certain requirements. The iPhone must be running iOS 26.5 or later, and the Android device needs the latest version of Google Messages.
Why End-to-End Encryption for iPhone and Android RCS Matters
RCS has replaced SMS as the default messaging protocol for iPhone-to-Android conversations since Apple added support for it. The update introduced features such as high-quality media sharing, typing indicators, and functioning group chats. The main remaining issue was the lack of end-to-end encryption.
Without E2EE, messages sent between iPhone and Android over RCS are not encrypted, unlike iMessage chats between iPhones or Google Messages conversations on Android. Google Messages shows a small lock icon to indicate when E2EE is active. Once both devices meet the software requirements, this icon will also appear in iPhone-to-Android RCS conversations.
What Cross-Platform RCS Limitations Still Remain in iOS 26.5
End-to-end encryption addresses the most significant missing feature but doesn’t fully bridge the gap between iPhone and Android RCS. iPhone users still can’t unsend messages or reply to specific threads in cross-platform conversations. Message editing is only available on Android, and emoji reactions are currently limited to iPhone in cross-platform chats.
The iOS 26.5 release candidate is now available for users enrolled in Apple’s beta program. Installing beta software on a primary device involves risks, and Apple recommends creating a full backup before proceeding. To switch back from a beta to a stable release without a computer backup, a complete reset of the iPhone is necessary.
Apple has not yet announced a confirmed release date for iOS 26.5 to the public.
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