End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling out today for Android and iPhone users

Apple and Google began the beta rollout of end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging on May 11, 2026. This development secures cross-platform chats between Android and iPhone users by default.

RCS is a cross-platform messaging format intended to replace traditional SMS. By implementing end-to-end encryption, Apple and Google ensure that messages cannot be read while they are transmitted between devices.

The beta rollout is available to iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers, as well as Android users using the latest version of Google Messages.

Security Implementation and User Interface

Users can identify when a conversation is end-to-end encrypted by the appearance of a new lock icon in their RCS chats. For those using Google Messages, This represents the same lock icon previously utilized in RCS chats between Android devices.

Encryption for these messages is enabled by default. The companies stated that the feature will be automatically enabled over time for both new and existing RCS conversations.

Industry Collaboration and Context

The rollout is the result of a cross-industry effort led by Apple and Google to make the RCS format more private, and secure. This collaboration addresses the security gaps inherent in the traditional SMS standard that RCS is designed to replace.

Google has offered end-to-end encrypted messaging between Android devices for several years. This latest update expands those security protocols to encompass communication between different operating systems.

Apple noted that iMessage has always been end-to-end encrypted because it was built with privacy in mind. The company maintained that iMessage remains the best way to communicate between Apple devices.