Overview
- iOS 26.5, which Apple released Monday, begins a beta rollout of end-to-end encrypted RCS for chats between iPhone and Android.
- Encryption works only when iPhone users run iOS 26.5, Android users have the latest Google Messages, and both are on carriers that support the feature.
- Apple published an initial support list for the United States and Canada that includes AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and many regional and prepaid carriers, with more to follow.
- Messages gain clear status cues as encrypted threads show a lock icon and an “Encrypted” label, and the protection is enabled by default as availability expands over time.
- Apple says it worked with Google and the GSMA to add encryption to the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 using the Messaging Layer Security protocol, while iOS 26.5 also brings new Pride wallpapers and groundwork for Maps ads.