Apple has confirmed that iOS 26.5 will bring end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to the Messages app, which directly improves how iPhone users chat with Android users while keeping conversations private and secure across platforms.
Apple’s official release notes state that encrypted RCS messaging will be available in beta for supported carriers, and the rollout will expand over time as carriers enable the feature, so users may not see it immediately after updating.
RCS already improves messaging between iPhone and Android by adding features like typing indicators, better media sharing, and read receipts, and now encryption strengthens privacy by ensuring only the sender and receiver can access message content.
Apple tested this feature in earlier betas, including iOS 26.4, but removed it before launch, and now the company has confirmed its return with iOS 26.5, which signals a more stable release plan.
Apple will publish a list of supported carriers soon, which will determine when users can start using encrypted RCS messaging.
