The latest test version of iOS 26.5 reveals some important new protections for text messages. Apple’s smartphone operating system will soon offer end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between Apple and Android devices. This is a significant step for privacy in cross-platform messaging.
Apple’s official statement about this new feature says, “End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” This setting will be turned on by default for users. Once their devices are running iOS 26.5, Apple users can confirm this in their Settings, under the RCS Messaging menu within the Messages section.
According to 9to5Google, iPhone users will see a lock icon in their Messages app. This icon will appear when their chats with an Android device are using this new encryption. On the Android side, Google Messages chats with iOS devices will look just like regular encrypted RCS conversations they have with other Android users.
Apple first added the option for RCS messaging as part of iOS 18. The GSM Association, which manages the RCS protocol, introduced support for end-to-end encryption between different operating systems last year. At that time, Apple stated it would add this extra security layer “in future software updates,” and it seems that update has finally arrived with iOS 26.5.
The tech company began testing this encryption feature back in February as part of iOS 26.4. However, Apple made it clear then that they did not plan to officially release the encryption with that specific update. More protections to keep communications private are almost always a good thing to see. So, this is a very welcome addition to what might otherwise be a more minor iOS 26.5 update.
This move by Apple to encrypt RCS messages between its devices and Android devices addresses a long-standing difference in messaging security. Previously, messages between iPhones and Android phones often defaulted to less secure SMS/MMS, lacking the modern encryption and features of iMessage or Android’s own encrypted RCS.
By adopting end-to-end encryption for RCS, Apple is enhancing user privacy and security for a broader range of its users, regardless of whether they are texting another iPhone or an Android device. This change reflects a growing industry trend and user expectation for more secure digital communications.
