Techabout 7 hours ago· 1 min read
Apple Enables End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging Between iPhone and Android in iOS 26.5
Apple released iOS 26.5 with native support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones and Android devices, marking a major cross-platform security upgrade developed with Google and the GSM Association.
Cross-Platform Security Upgrade
Apple and Google collaborated to implement end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android devices, now rolling out gradually to supported carriers. The feature is built on the Messaging Layer Security protocol and included in RCS Universal Profile 3.0.
Implementation Details
- iOS 26.5 provides support for encrypted RCS on compatible iPhones
- Users need the latest Google Messages app on Android for full compatibility
- Encryption is enabled by default with toggle controls in Settings
- Both sender and receiver must use carriers supporting the latest RCS version
- Encrypted messages show a small lock symbol
Additional Features
Beyond encryption, RCS Universal Profile 3.0 includes:
- Message editing and deletion capabilities
- Cross-platform Tapback reactions
- Inline reply functionality
- Broader compatibility across iOS and Android ecosystems
Apple also released security and maintenance updates for older iOS versions, including iOS 15.8.8, iOS 16.7.16, iOS 18.7.9, and iPadOS 17.7.11.