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5h ago

iOS 26.3 Beta Adds Carrier Switch for Encrypted RCS as Testing Expands

Carrier bundles now include an E2EE control, signaling groundwork without a confirmed rollout date.

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Apple rolled out iOS 26.3 Beta 2 to developers and testers earlier this week
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Overview

  • References in iOS 26.3 beta 2 show a new carrier bundle setting that can enable or disable end-to-end encryption for RCS messages.
  • The E2EE-related code currently appears only for France’s four main operators: Bouygues, Orange, SFR, and Free.
  • A community tracker lists Telekom Hungary and Singtel as “in beta” for RCS on iPhone, indicating live network testing in those markets.
  • GSMA’s RCS rules require encryption by default where allowed, mandate market-level controls rather than per-user toggles, and require visible encryption status for users.
  • Apple has not said E2EE will ship in iOS 26.3, and broader rollout depends on carrier activation, local regulations, and likely support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0 features such as edit, unsend, inline replies, and full Tapbacks.