iOS 26.5 gave Messages app encrypted RCS, here's how to check it's working

iOS 26.5 turns on beta end-to-end encrypted RCS in Apple’s Messages app by default for supported carriers.

This gives green-bubble chats stronger privacy on iPhone, but only when both carriers support encryption.

Users can check whether a conversation is protected in Settings or in the chat’s details view.

Apple added a simple way to verify encryption status for each RCS thread.