Google and Apple today announced that testing of encrypted RCS messaging between Android and iPhone is now underway.
Part of the RCS Universal Profile from the GSMA, messages between Android and iOS users cannot be read by anyone else as they are sent between phones.
In the iOS Messages app, green bubbles will be prefaced by “Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted” at the center of the screen.
On Google Messages, it will be the same lock icon, just like messages to Android users.
Apple with iOS 18 in September of 2024 introduced RCS support to allow for typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media with Android users. The iPhone maker said it would be adding support for end-to-end encrypted RCS last March.
To test, the iPhone must be running iOS 26.4 beta 2, with this available on supported carriers.
After installing, go to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and make sure “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” is enabled. It is toggled on by default. Android phones must be running the latest Google Messages beta (join here).
As with all betas, there might be message delivery issues, service interruptions, and other bugs.
End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android is coming in a future iOS 26 update where it will be enabled by default.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Comments