The most recent take a look at model of iOS 26.5 features a changelog about bringing some new protections to texts. The smartphone working system will probably be rolling out end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between Apple and Android units. “Finish-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is obtainable with supported carriers and can roll out over time,” is Apple’s official wording concerning the addition. The setting will probably be on by default, however Apple system homeowners can verify it in Settings beneath the RCS Messaging menu of the Messages part as soon as they’re working iOS 26.5.
In accordance with 9to5Google, a lock icon will seem in an iPhone consumer’s Messages app when chats to an Android system are profiting from the encryption. On the Android aspect, the Google Messages chats to iOS units will look the identical manner they do when messaging one other consumer (or users) with encrypted RCS.
Apple added the option for RCS messaging as a part of iOS 18. The GSM Affiliation, which operates the RCS protocol, added help for E2EE between the working techniques final 12 months. On the time, Apple stated it might carry the added safety layer “in future software program updates” that appear to have lastly arrived. The tech firm started testing this tech again in February as a part of iOS 26.4, though Apple specified that it didn’t plan to formally roll out the encryption characteristic with that launch. Extra protections to maintain communications personal is just about at all times a superb factor to see, in order that’s a welcome addition to what would possibly in any other case be a extra incremental iOS 26.5 replace.
