iOS-to-Android messaging just got a whole lot more private

Apple is beta testing end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between iPhone and Android users on iOS 26.5.

The feature will roll out automatically over time for new and existing conversations on supported carriers.

This adds a major privacy upgrade to cross-platform messaging, closing a long-standing security gap.

A lock icon will help signal when chats are encrypted, similar to secure messaging in other apps.