Is Apple testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messages?

Yes, Apple has begun testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in the developer beta of iOS 26.4.

When will E2EE RCS messages be available to all users?

Apple plans to ship fully implemented E2EE RCS messages in a future update, not with the current iOS 26.4 beta.

What other features are in the iOS 26.4 developer beta?

The first iOS 26.4 developer beta also includes the ability to seamlessly swap between audio and video podcasts.

Home / Technology / Apple Tests Encrypted Texts Between iPhones

Apple Tests Encrypted Texts Between iPhones

17 Feb

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Summary

Apple is testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in a developer beta.
This feature will eventually allow encrypted cross-platform texting.
Full E2EE RCS support is planned for a future iOS update, not this beta.

Apple Tests Encrypted Texts Between iPhones

Apple has initiated testing for end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages. This development is part of the developer beta release for iOS 26.4, which became available on Monday. The company had previously announced its intention to support this feature last year.

Currently, the testing is limited to encryption between Apple devices and is not yet functional with other platforms. Apple has stated that E2EE RCS messages will not be included in the initial iOS 26.4 release but are slated for a "future update." This move is significant for improving cross-platform texting experiences between iPhone and Android users.

The GSM Association, involved in RCS development, announced in September 2024 that E2EE was a major upcoming milestone for the RCS Universal Profile. Apple confirmed its commitment to supporting E2EE RCS messages across its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, in March 2025. The iOS 26.4 beta also introduces the ability to switch seamlessly between audio and video podcast formats.

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