After what has felt like an interminable wait, the ability to send end-to-end encrypted messages between iPhone and Android is finally rolling out.
Starting on 11 May and rolling out over the coming months, Apple is adding end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iOS 26.5 and the latest version of Google Messages as a beta offering.
Unfortunately, it’s not the full rollout that we’ve been waiting for. Besides that beta status, it’s only available on certain network providers in the US and Canada at present.
Those who are in the position to use the feature will find that any messages they send to compatible iPhones and Android smartphones can only be read by the sender and the receiver.
The feature will be on by default, and will be automatically enabled over time in both new and existing RCS conversations. There’ll be a telltale lock icon in end-to-end encrypted RCS chats, so you should know when you’re covered.
Apple
Message delayed
I wrote about proper end-to-end encryption between RCS and iMessage messaging in March of 2025. That’s more than a year ago.
The GSMA’s announcement at that time of new specifications for RCS that incorporated end-to-end encryption (E2EE), as well as Apple’s claim that it would add its own support in future software updates, gave us cautious hope that synergy would be achieved soon.
It’s fair to say that Apple has dragged its heels somewhat (shocker, I know) over this whole RCS support matter, evidently viewing its own end-to-end encrypted iMessage platform as a selling point over Google’s more open platform.
The company eventually added basic RCS support way back in late 2024 with the launch of iOS 18, which included typing indicators, read receipts, and higher-quality media when messaging Android users.
It’s taken 18 months, and could take longer yet for a full rollout, but the final and full implementation of cross-platform RCS messaging seems to be upon us.
And it looks to be just in time for the launch of Android 17.