Apple is testing end-to-end encrypted Rich Communications Services (RCS) messaging in the iOS 26.4 developer beta.
Apple has added end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to the iOS and iPadOS 26.4 developer beta. The feature, still in testing, will roll out in a future update across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. Apple notes that E2EE is not yet supported on all devices or carriers, but encrypted conversations cannot be read while in transit between users.
“RCS end-to-end encryption is now available for testing in this beta. This feature is not shipping in this release and will be available to customers in a future software update for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. End-to-end encryption is in beta and is not available for all devices or carriers.” reads iOS & iPadOS 26.4 Beta Release Notes. “Conversations labeled as encrypted are encrypted end-to-end, so messages can’t be read while they’re sent between devices. In this beta, RCS encryption is available for testing between Apple devices and is not yet testable with other platforms. (170160585)”
RCS encryption is available only to protect communications between Apple devices.
“iOS 26.4 adds a new toggle in the Settings app that enables support for testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging. This toggle is enabled by default. However, Apple says the capability will gradually roll out to beta users and become available to more users throughout the testing period. So, just because you see the toggle in Settings does not mean you’ll actually be able to test RCS encrypted messaging.” reports the website 9to5mac. “In this initial test implementation of the feature, RCS encryption is available only on iPhone-to-iPhone messaging. So, that essentially means communication between iPhone users who have iMessage disabled.”
RCS is the modern successor to SMS/MMS, using mobile data or Wi-Fi instead of basic cellular signaling. It brings chat app features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-res photos/videos, group chats, and end-to-end encryption (when supported). Widely used on Android, the adoption by Apple could improve future iPhone-Android messaging.
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