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Apple rolls out beta end-to-end encrypted RCS for iPhone-to-Android

techMay 11, 20263258

Apple began a beta rollout in IOS 26.5 that enables end-to-end encrypted RCS for some iPhone-to-Android chats, and Messages displays a lock icon when encryption is active. The feature requires iPhone users to install IOS 26.5, Android recipients to use Google Messages, and participating carriers to support RCS encryption. Apple also released 26.5 updates for iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS, though RCS encryption remains limited to supported device and carrier configurations during the beta. The change brings cross-platform text threads closer to the same end-to-end encryption that iMessage provides, reducing interception risk for mixed-device conversations and improving privacy for users WHO message across ecosystems.

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