Apple announced tests for end-to-end encryption in RCS messages on iPhone with the recently released iOS 26.4 beta. The functionality allows conversations via RCS between Apple devices to be protected so that no one, including operators or third parties, can read the content during sending. Apple has confirmed that full support will arrive in future updates to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, following the current beta testing period. Essa measure follows the company’s commitment to adopt the RCS standard with interoperable encryption, announced in March 2025, in collaboration with the GSMA and other industry players. For now, encryption does not apply to messages exchanged with Android devices, which leaves cross-platform communication without full end-to-end protection.
The beta update introduces a specific setting in the Ajustes app to enable encryption in RCS, which is enabled by default for testing purposes. Beta Usuários see a lock icon and “Encrypted” label on supported threads, indicating that messages are protected end-to-end. Apple clarifies that the functionality is in its initial phase and limited to Apple devices, with no possibility of testing with other platforms at the moment. Operadoras that support RCS will generally enable encryption, but not all devices or networks are ready for this.
Limited testing in current beta
RCS encryption in iOS 26.4 beta only works between iPhones and other Apple devices when iMessage is turned off. Isso allows developers and testers to evaluate the feature in a controlled environment. The company highlights that conversations marked as encrypted cannot be read in transit between devices.
At this stage, Android is not supported, which means messages sent from iPhone to Android via RCS remain unencrypted end-to-end. Apple plans to expand to cross-platform in later updates.
Timeline of RCS support with encryption
Apple integrated RCS into the Mensagens app with iOS 18, enabling features like read receipts, typing indicators, and sending high-quality media to Android. Inicialmente, RCS did not have end-to-end encryption between different platforms.
In March 2025, the GSMA updated RCS Universal Profile to include interoperable encryption based on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. Apple announced support for the feature, promising implementation in future system updates.
Signs of the feature have emerged in previous betas, such as iOS 26.3, with settings for carriers to enable encryption. Agora, iOS 26.4 beta brings active functionality for internal testing.
How RCS encryption improves privacy
End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient access the content of messages. Isso differs from the in-transit encryption previously used in RCS, which allowed access through intermediaries such as carriers.
With the feature, RCS approaches the security of iMessage, which has already offered full protection between Apple devices since launch. Usuários who exchange messages with Android will gain equivalent privacy when cross-platform support is enabled.
The implementation uses the MLS standard for interoperability between different providers, avoiding isolated proprietary solutions.
Limitations and next steps
Apple reinforces that RCS encryption in the beta is not available for all devices or operators. Testes with Android depend on future updates and coordination with Google and other companies.
The full rollout will occur in a later iOS 26 update, with no specific date announced. Enquanto That’s why users who need maximum privacy across platforms are still recommended to use dedicated apps like Signal or WhatsApp.
