Apple enables end to end encrypted RCS across iPhone and Android

iOS 26.5 is rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android, with the feature enabled by default for new and existing conversations on both platforms. The rollout is available to iPhone users on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest Google Messages, enabling high‑resolution media, typing indicators and read receipts within RCS, built on the RCS Universal Profile.

The update marks a cross‑industry effort to replace SMS, and users will know a conversation is end‑to‑end encrypted when they see a new lock icon in their RCS chats, according to Apple. Apple began testing E2EE in RCS in iOS and iPadOS 26.4 Beta, initially limited to conversations between Apple devices, with GSMA later backing broader cross‑platform support.

The release also includes fixes for over 50 vulnerabilities across iOS and iPadOS, addressing flaws in AppleJPEG, ImageIO, Kernel, mDNSResponder and WebKit that could leak data, cause DoS or terminate processes. The news comes as Apple’s collaboration with Google and the GSMA continues to push secure, open standards for cross‑platform messaging, with the update confirmed on 12 May 2026.