Apple Releases iOS 26.5 RC with RCS End-to-End Encryption

Apple has released the release candidate for iOS 26.5, signaling an imminent public rollout expected next week that will introduce end-to-end encrypted messaging for Rich Communication Services chats between iPhones and Android devices.

The update, confirmed in Apple's official release notes, adds support for end-to-end encryption in the Messages app as a beta feature available with supported carriers. It will roll out gradually over time and requires both devices to use compatible RCS setups, including the latest Google Messages on Android. Encryption is enabled by default and can be toggled in Settings under Messages and RCS Messaging. Users will see a lock icon and "Encrypted" label in chats to confirm protection, while conversations remain identifiable as green bubbles on iOS.

RCS, introduced by Apple with iOS 18 in September 2024, upgraded cross-platform texting beyond SMS and MMS with features like high-resolution media sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and group chats. Initial support lacked end-to-end encryption, a gap addressed now through the GSMA's RCS Universal Profile 3.0 and Messaging Layer Security protocol. Apple began testing the feature in iOS 26 betas...