With the launch of iOS 26.5, end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS between Android and iPhone is now gradually rolling out in a process that will take place over the coming months.
As such, messages between iOS and Android users cannot be read by anyone else as they are sent between phones. This technical implementation is part of the RCS Universal Profile from the GSMA.
Google Messages users will see the same lock as before when talking to those on the iPhone. Meanwhile, the iOS Messages app will show “Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted” at the center of the screen.
With iOS 18 in September 2024, RCS support was introduced to allow for typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media. Apple said it would be adding support for end-to-end encrypted RCS last March, and testing got underway this February.
With the stable launch of iOS 26.5, it’s now coming to all users, though Apple still labels the capability as being in “Beta.” As E2EE rolls out, it will be “automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.”
After installing the update, go to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and make sure “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” is enabled. The preference is enabled by default. Android phones must be on the latest version of Google Messages.
Apple says “End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” Apple lists which carriers are supported here, but it will take some time for this to fully become available.
In the US, it’s AT&T, Boost Mobile, C Spire, Cellcom Wisconsin, Consumer Cellular, Cox Mobile, Cricket, Family Mobile, FirstNet, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, Nex-Tech Wireless, PureTalk, Red Pocket, Spectrum, Strata, T-Mobile USA, TracFone / Straight Talk, Ultra Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Visible, Xfinity Mobile.
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