iOS 26.5: E2EE Encryption Arrives for RCS Messages Between iPhone and Android - Official

The release of iOS 26.5 marks a fundamental turning point for interoperability between mobile ecosystems. Apple has officially confirmed the integration of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages sent via the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol between iPhone and Android devices. This implementation, explicitly mentioned in the release notes of the new firmware published as a release candidate, fills a historical security gap that saw cross-platform communications limited to standard operator protection.

The security architecture chosen by Cupertino stems from a direct collaboration with the GSM Association (GSMA), thus it is not proprietary. The system is based on the RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a technical specification to which Apple has actively contributed. The technological heart of the encryption is represented by the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol, designed to ensure scalability and maximum protection even in complex group messaging contexts.

iOS 26.5 and the Turn for RCS Security

Despite the official debut, Apple has classified E2EE encryption for RCS as a feature still in beta phase. Its activation does not depend solely on the software installed on the device (iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, or watchOS 26.5) but requires specific triangulation with network infrastructures. To guarantee message encryption, both the sender and the recipient must be authenticated on an operator that supports the latest version of the RCS profile.

Users can monitor the security status directly from the Messages app interface: protected chats are indeed marked with a small padlock symbol. Regarding privacy management, the feature is active by default, but Apple has included a manual toggle within the Settings menu, in the section dedicated to Messages, allowing for granular control over the functionality. The rollout will be gradual and tied to the update timings of individual global providers.

Through the adoption of Universal Profile 3.0, users communicating between iPhone and Android will finally find a series of advanced tools that have until now been a source of friction between the two worlds. One of the most relevant innovations is the support for cross-platform Tapback, which allows reactions to messages to be displayed correctly without textual return descriptions.

Additionally, there is the possibility to edit and delete sent messages, along with managing inline replies in group or individual chats. These features make the user experience between different operating systems almost indistinguishable from that of a centralized instant messaging platform like WhatsApp or Telegram.

The update is not just about smartphones. The synchronization of RCS encryption is extended to the entire Apple hardware ecosystem through iPadOS 26.5 and macOS Tahoe 26.5, ensuring continuity of encryption even when replying from a tablet or desktop. Even watchOS 26.5 receives the same benefits, allowing secure communications to be managed directly from the wrist. The long testing period, which started with the first beta versions of iOS 26.4 and continued steadily throughout the development cycle of 26.5, suggests that the code maturity is ready for the consumer market, despite the cautious beta label applied by the company.