Apple Launches iOS 26.5 with End‑to‑End Encrypted RCS Messaging
Enable E2EE RCS on iOS 26.5 for supported carriers and test messaging with Google Messages on Android.
Patch: Update iOS to 26.5 on all iPhone devices that support the feature and verify E2EE RCS functionality with carriers; for Android, install the latest Google Messages to receive encrypted RCS.
Summary
Apple released iOS 26.5 on Monday, adding end‑to‑end encryption to Rich Communication Services (RCS) in beta. This move is part of a cross‑industry effort to replace SMS with a more secure alternative. The update is available to iPhone users with supported carriers, while Android users can also receive encrypted RCS via the latest Google Messages app.
The rollout is gradual; iOS 26.5 ships with E2EE RCS enabled for carriers that have signed up for the program. Apple notes that the feature will be available to all iPhone users once carriers complete the integration, aiming to standardise secure messaging across platforms and reduce reliance on legacy SMS infrastructure.
Key changes
- iOS 26.5 introduces end‑to‑end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in beta
- E2EE RCS is enabled for carriers that have joined the cross‑industry program
- The feature is available to all iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers
- Android users can receive encrypted RCS via the latest Google Messages app
- The rollout is gradual and will be expanded once carriers complete integration