Apple and Google roll out end-to-end encryption for RCS between Android and iPhone users

Apple and Google have announced that they’re finally rolling out end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between Android and iPhone users by default.

For Android users using the Google Messages app, this has been the norm for awhile now, but now RCS messaging is finally becoming cross platform and replaces the old school SMS service. RCS is safer than regular SMS as it can’t be read when it’s being sent between devices.

From today onwards, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging is rolling out in beta for iPhone users on iOS 26.5. For Android users meanwhile, you’ll need to be using the latest version of Google Messages.

To be sure that your RCS messaging is fully end-to-end encrypted when on iPhone, you’ll see a new lock icon in your RCS chat. Google Messages will show a similar lock icon too. Your texts will be encrypted by default, and automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.

That being said, we couldn’t help but be amused with Apple’s press statement on the RCS rollout when they ended it by stating “iMessage was built with privacy in mind and has always been end-to-end encrypted. It remains the best way to communicate between Apple devices.”

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