Apple and Google confirmed this week that end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging is now active between Android and iPhone devices. The rollout began May 11, 2026, with iOS 26.5.
This development significantly enhances privacy and security for users communicating across the two major mobile platforms. Previously, cross-platform messages often relied on older, less secure SMS/MMS protocols.
The confirmation follows anticipation after an iOS update last week. Both companies issued separate statements regarding the activation of E2EE for RCS. E2EE ensures that only the sender and intended recipient can read messages, protecting content from interception.
RCS is a modern messaging standard that offers features beyond traditional SMS and MMS, such as high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts. It also supports improved group chat capabilities, allowing users to name groups, add or remove participants, and leave conversations more seamlessly.
Apple first announced its intention to support RCS messaging in March 2025 and began beta testing E2EE for RCS in iOS 26.4 earlier this year. Google Messages has included end-to-end encryption for Android-to-Android RCS conversations for several years.
Users will see a lock icon at the top of a conversation thread to indicate that messages are end-to-end encrypted. This feature is rolling out in a beta capacity and will gradually become available to users with supported carriers. Encryption is enabled by default for these conversations and will activate automatically for both new and existing RCS chats. More information on RCS features can be found on Google’s official Messages page.
The implementation of E2EE for RCS messaging utilizes the Messaging Layer Security protocol and is part of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0. Apple continues to emphasize user privacy across its products and services, as detailed on its privacy information page.
