iOS 26.5 Brings End-to-End Encryption to iPhone-Android RCS Messages

Apple says iOS 26.5 adds beta end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between iPhone and Android users.

The feature is on by default, shows a lock icon, and works only when both carriers support the latest RCS standard.

Apple says the upgrade was built with the GSM Association and is part of RCS Universal Profile 3.0.

The change closes a major privacy gap, bringing cross-platform texting closer to iMessage-level security.