When will Apple enable E2EE for RCS messages?

Apple is expected to launch E2EE for RCS messaging in an upcoming iOS update, possibly iOS 26.3 later this month or iOS 27 later this year.

What is E2EE in Apple's RCS messaging?

End-to-end encryption (E2EE) means that only the sender and recipient can read messages sent via RCS between iPhones and Android devices; not even Apple can access them.

Which carriers support Apple's E2EE for RCS?

Currently, four carriers in France (Bouygues, Free, Orange, and SFR) are set up to enable E2EE for RCS, suggesting a potential beta test in the region.

Home / Technology / Apple Eyes E2EE for iPhone-Android Chats

Apple Eyes E2EE for iPhone-Android Chats

16 Jan

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Summary

New iOS beta setting hints at end-to-end encryption for RCS.
Encryption currently protects messages only in transit, not fully.
France is a potential testing ground for the new encryption feature.

Apple Eyes E2EE for iPhone-Android Chats

Apple is advancing its plans to implement end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages exchanged between iPhones and Android devices. A recent discovery in an iOS beta version indicates a new carrier setting to enable this encryption.

This development follows Apple's introduction of RCS support in iOS 18 in 2024, which brought features like read receipts and typing indicators to cross-platform texting. However, the current encryption for these messages is limited to transit, leaving them potentially vulnerable. E2EE, once implemented, would ensure that only the sender and recipient can read the messages.

Reports suggest Apple may be utilizing France as a beta-testing location, with four French carriers already configured for the feature. The company plans to adopt RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a standard that supports E2EE across its operating systems. The full rollout of iOS 26.3 is anticipated later this month.