BackTECH
Apple confirms end-to-end encrypted RCS in Messages with iOS 26.5
Apple added RCS support to Messages with iOS 18 in September 2024, but it lacked end-to-end encryption. In May 2026, iOS 26.5 RC was released to developers, with release notes stating that RCS will have end-to-end encryption in Messages once both sides enable RCS on their devices, ahead of a wider public rollout later in May 2026. This upgrade aims to secure cross-platform messaging on iPhone.
Why It Matters
End-to-end encryption for RCS closes a long-standing security gap in Messages, improving privacy for cross-platform conversations. Successful rollout depends on both senders and recipients enabling RCS on Apple and Android devices.
Timeline
2 Events
May 5, 2026: iOS 26.5 RC released to developers with encryption notes
May 5, 2026
Apple released the iOS 26.5 Release Candidate (RC) to developers. The release notes confirm that iOS 26.5 will bring end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the Messages app, with the caveat that both sender and receiver must have RCS enabled on their Apple and Android devices for the feature to work. A broader public rollout is expected later in May 2026.
September 2024: iOS 18 rollout adds RCS support in Messages
September 2024
Apple first introduced support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in its Messages app with the rollout of iOS 18 in September 2024, enabling RCS messages to run over data or Wi‑Fi instead of traditional SMS/MMS.