US-based tech giants Google and Apple have revealed the launch of end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging in beta for iPhone and Android users. This move signifies a significant advancement in enhancing privacy for cross-platform messaging. Apple, in collaboration with Google, is part of a broader industry effort to incorporate end-to-end encryption support into RCS, a messaging standard aimed at replacing traditional SMS.
Apple has announced that the feature is currently in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with compatible carriers, as well as for Android users utilizing the latest version of Google Messages. By activating end-to-end encryption, messages sent via RCS are shielded from access or viewing during transmission between devices, ensuring heightened privacy and security for users.
Users will be able to recognize encrypted conversations through a new lock icon displayed within RCS chats, as per Apple. This feature will be automatically enabled and progressively activated for both new and existing conversations. Google, backed by Alphabet Inc., stated that its Messages platform has long supported end-to-end encrypted communication among Android devices and has now extended these protections to cross-platform RCS conversations.
Google has confirmed that encryption will remain turned on by default and will gradually extend to both new and existing RCS conversations across supported devices. Apple emphasized that iMessage was constructed with privacy as a fundamental aspect and has consistently backed end-to-end encryption. It highlighted that iMessage remains the most secure and seamless mode for users to communicate within the Apple ecosystem.
In contrast, Meta recently discontinued end-to-end encrypted direct messages on Instagram earlier this month, effectively terminating the privacy-focused feature for users worldwide.
