The upcoming release of iOS 26.5 is set to enhance user privacy through the introduction of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between Apple and Android devices. This feature will be rolled out gradually and is available for use with supported carriers.
Once users upgrade to iOS 26.5, the encryption setting will be enabled by default, allowing Apple device owners to check its status in the RCS Messaging menu within the Messages app settings. A lock icon will indicate when the encryption is active for chats with Android users. Similarly, Google Messages will display the same icon for conversations with iOS devices.
This encryption capability follows Apple’s earlier introduction of RCS messaging in iOS 18 and aligns with enhancements made by the GSM Association, which introduced support for end-to-end encryption last year. The tech giant initially began testing this feature in February as part of iOS 26.4, although it was not included in that version's official release.