Google, Apple begin testing encrypted RCS between Android and iOS 26.4

TL;DR: Google and Apple have started testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone users. The feature is part of the RCS Universal Profile developed by the GSMA.

Google and Apple have started testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone users.
Once enabled, RCS messages exchanged between Android and iOS devices cannot be read by third parties while in transit.
On iPhones running iOS 26.4 beta 2, encrypted RCS messages appear in the Messages app with a “Text Message · RCS” label and a lock icon indicating encryption.
Apple first introduced RCS support with iOS 18 in September 2024, adding features such as typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media sharing between iPhone and Android users.
End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging is expected to roll out by default in a future iOS 26 update.

Google and Apple have started testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone users.

The feature is part of the RCS Universal Profile developed by the GSMA. Once enabled, RCS messages exchanged between Android and iOS devices cannot be read by third parties while in transit.

On iPhones running iOS 26.4 beta 2, encrypted RCS messages appear in the Messages app with a “Text Message · RCS” label and a lock icon indicating encryption. On Android, Google Messages shows the same lock icon used for encrypted conversations between Android devices.

Apple first introduced RCS support with iOS 18 in September 2024, adding features such as typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media sharing between iPhone and Android users. The company previously said end-to-end encryption for RCS would follow in a later update.

To test the feature, iPhones must be running iOS 26.4 beta 2 on supported carriers. Users can check by going to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and ensuring that “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” is enabled. Android users must install the latest Google Messages beta.

As this is still in beta, users may encounter message delivery delays, service interruptions, or other bugs.

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging is expected to roll out by default in a future iOS 26 update.