Apple Tests End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages in iOS 26.4 Beta
Apple has initiated testing of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages in the latest iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta releases. This development aims to enhance the security of cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android devices, a feature previously unavailable.
Historically, Apple’s iMessage has provided E2EE for communications between iPhone users, ensuring that messages remain private and secure. Similarly, RCS messages exchanged between Android devices have supported E2EE. However, messages sent between iPhone and Android users lacked this level of security. By introducing E2EE for RCS messages, Apple seeks to bridge this gap, offering a uniform security standard across platforms.
In collaboration with the GSM Association, Apple has been working to implement this encryption standard for RCS messages. The GSM Association, responsible for the development of the RCS standard, announced in September 2024 its efforts to enable E2EE for messages exchanged between Android and iPhone devices. This initiative aims to prevent third parties, including messaging services and cellular carriers, from accessing the content of these messages, thereby enhancing user privacy and security.
Developers testing the iOS 26.4 beta will notice a new toggle in the Settings app, activated by default. This feature allows for the testing of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging on supported devices and carriers. Apple has indicated that most carriers supporting RCS will also support its end-to-end encryption. During the initial beta phase, RCS encryption is available for testing on Apple devices only when iMessage is disabled.
Users with the beta installed will observe a lock icon within RCS chats, signifying that E2EE is active. This lock icon will also appear in iMessage conversations, providing a consistent visual cue for secure messaging across different protocols.
The rollout of RCS end-to-end encryption for Apple devices will be gradual, with not all users gaining immediate access. The availability of encryption will expand over time, and users can verify its activation through the presence of the lock icon in their conversations.
Cross-platform testing between iPhone and Android users is slated to commence at a later date. This phased approach allows Apple to ensure the stability and effectiveness of the encryption feature before broader deployment.
To support E2EE for RCS, Apple plans to update to RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a specification published by the GSM Association with Apple’s input. Currently, Apple supports RCS Universal Profile 2.4. The transition to version 3.0 will not only facilitate end-to-end encryption but also introduce features such as message editing, message deletion, and inline replies during cross-platform conversations.
The first betas of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 have been released to developers. While Apple aims to launch these updates in the spring, the full functionality of E2EE for RCS messages is anticipated to be available in a subsequent iOS 26 update.
This move by Apple underscores its commitment to enhancing user privacy and security across its ecosystem. By extending end-to-end encryption to RCS messages, Apple is addressing a significant gap in cross-platform messaging security, ensuring that users can communicate securely regardless of the devices they use.
