Apple Prepares to Encrypt Messages Between iPhone and Android via RCS Protocol: A New Step to Enhance Messaging Security

Apple is preparing to launch end-to-end encryption for messages between iPhone and Android users via the RCS protocol in its upcoming operating system update. This step is significant for enhancing user privacy and preventing any third party, including telecommunications companies, from accessing the content of conversations.

RCS Support in iOS 26

Apple clarified that the current version is iOS 18, which means that support for encryption via RCS will come with the next major update, expected to be iOS 26. The update will also include improvements to the RCS service, such as displaying emoji reactions directly instead of explanatory text messages, as well as features for editing, deleting, and replying to messages directly between users of both systems.

Signals of Gradual and Experimental Launch

Indicators from some French telecommunications companies, coinciding with the beta versions of iOS 26.3, suggest that some companies may enable the encrypted messaging feature via RCS by default. These improvements are expected to gradually reach users with the beta release iOS 26.4, before the official rollout of the feature.

A Smoother and Safer Experience

With the introduction of encryption and support for modern features between the two systems, Apple aims to provide a more secure and seamless messaging experience, reducing the gap between iPhone and Android in instant messaging services, in line with modern messaging applications like WhatsApp and Telegram.