#end-to-end encryption RCS

Google and Apple have started testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone users. 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. The company previously said end-to-end encryption for RCS would follow in a later update. Users can check by going to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and ensuring that “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” is enabled. End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging is expected to roll out by default in a future iOS 26 update. End-to-end encrypted Apple and Google RCS messaging is rolling out in beta after an effort by Apple and Google to improve secure texting. The update brings encryption to RCS, which replaces SMS and lets users send messages more privately across different devices. A lock icon will appear in chats to show when encryption is active for end-to-end protected conversations at all times. Read more in our articles including "Google, Apple begin testing encrypted RCS between Android and iOS 26.4" and "Apple and Google begin rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS beta across platforms".