https://9to5google.com/2026/05/04/encrypted-rcs-android-iphone/
With the release of iOS 26.5, Apple plans to support end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between Android devices using Google Messages and iPhones.
Apple released the iOS 26.5 Release Candidate (RC) version to developers and public beta testers today, and the changes include the following:
"End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in the Messages app is available from supported carriers and will be rolled out sequentially."
This feature has been tested since February. As part of GSMA's RCS Universal Profile, messages exchanged between Android and iOS users are protected so that third parties cannot read their content during transmission.
When the feature is activated, in the Messages app on iPhone, in the center of the conversation window with an Android user
"Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted"
this marking appears.
Google Messages app also displays the same lock icon as encrypted conversations between Android users.
Here's how to set it up:
Go to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging on iOS, then
check if the "End-to-End Encryption (Beta)" option is enabled.
(It is enabled by default.)
Android devices also need to have the latest version of Google Messages app installed.
iOS 26.5 is expected to be officially released within the next week or so.
