Apple has taken an important step to improve privacy in cross-platform messaging. With the release of iOS 26.4 beta 2 for developers, the company has introduced support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones and Android smartphones.
This update aims to close a security gap that has existed since Apple first added support for Rich Communication Services (RCS) in iOS 18.
What Was the Issue?
Apple replaced traditional SMS between iOS and Android with RCS as the primary method of texting; therefore, iOS suffers from the quality of pictures, videos, read receipt functionality, and audio message capabilities that RCS allows users to share with Android while texting. IOS has now “modernized” these functions of communication with Android.
The prominent factor that is missing is end-to-end encryption for iOS-to-Android RCS messaging.
RCS messaging between Android devices allows for the messaging to contain end-to-end encryption, but RCS messaging between IOS and Android does not provide the user with the same end-to-end encryption features as Android-to-Android.
End-to-end encryption guarantees that only the sender and recipient of a particular message can access its contents. Even service providers are unable to view the content of these messages. In an ever-increasing digital world where the use of data privacy continues to expand, the use of end-to-end encryption becomes even more critical.
What’s Changing in iOS 26.4?
With iOS 26.4 beta 2, Apple is enabling end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between iPhones and Android devices.
To use this feature:
- iPhone users must install iOS 26.4 beta 2
- Android users must be running the latest beta of Google Messages
- Carrier support must also be available
- The feature must be enabled under Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging
It is important to note that this is currently a beta feature for testing. Full support is expected in a future public update, likely before the summer.
Importance of Update
This update brings iPhone-to-Android messaging closer to the security standard of iMessage conversations between Apple users.
Previously, the lack of encryption in cross-platform RCS chats left a privacy gap. By adding end-to-end encryption, Apple ensures that messages remain secure regardless of whether they are sent to an iPhone or an Android device.
The move also strengthens RCS as a modern alternative to SMS. SMS messages are not encrypted and are considered outdated in terms of privacy and features.
By addressing this issue, Apple is improving security for millions of users who communicate across platforms every day.
Also Read: Apple Launch Event On March 4: Here’s What To Expect
