Apple’s iOS 26.3 Beta 2 Signals Imminent End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messaging
In March 2025, Apple announced its commitment to integrating end-to-end encryption (E2EE) into Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, aligning with the GSM Association’s (GSMA) standardization efforts. This initiative aimed to enhance the security and privacy of cross-platform communications between iPhone and Android users. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2025/03/14/end-to-end-encrypted-rcs-messaging-on-iphone/?utm_source=openai))
The recent release of iOS 26.3 Beta 2 has unveiled code references indicating that Apple is progressing toward implementing this feature. Notably, a new carrier bundle setting has been identified, which allows carriers to enable or disable E2EE for RCS messages. This discovery was highlighted by user Tiino-X83 on X (formerly Twitter), who observed that this specific code line appears exclusively for the four major French carriers: Bouygues, Orange, SFR, and Free. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/12/ios-26-3-beta-hints-at-upcoming-end-to-end-encryption-for-rcs/?utm_source=openai))
The GSMA’s documentation mandates that RCS clients activate E2EE by default, except where local regulations prohibit it. The relevant guidelines include:
– R5-43-1: RCS clients shall enable E2EE by default unless expressly prohibited by local regulations.
– R5-43-1-1: The RCS client provider shall enable or disable E2EE for all their users in a market of operation.
– R5-43-1-2: The RCS client provider shall not enable or disable E2EE for a subset of users, or for individual users in a market of operation.
– R5-43-1-3: If E2EE is disabled, the user shall be informed that E2EE is not available in their market of operation.
– R5-43-2: All User Initiated Content shall be end-to-end encrypted, excluding Is Typing Notifications.
These standards ensure that users are informed about the encryption status of their communications and that E2EE is uniformly applied across markets, barring legal restrictions. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/01/12/ios-26-3-beta-hints-at-upcoming-end-to-end-encryption-for-rcs/?utm_source=openai))
The inclusion of the carrier bundle setting in iOS 26.3 Beta 2 suggests that Apple is laying the groundwork for E2EE in RCS messaging. However, it’s important to note that the presence of this code does not guarantee the immediate rollout of the feature in the final release of iOS 26.3. Apple may be preparing for a future update to activate this functionality.
The selective appearance of the E2EE-related code for French carriers raises questions about regional implementation strategies and potential regulatory considerations. It remains to be seen how Apple will navigate these factors to provide a consistent and secure messaging experience for all users.
As the development progresses, users can anticipate enhanced privacy and security in their RCS communications, bridging the gap between iMessage’s existing E2EE capabilities and cross-platform messaging standards.
