At a Glance · AI-generated

Apple began rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in iOS 26.5 beta on May 11, enabling encrypted text conversations between iPhone and Android users for the first time. The feature, developed in collaboration with Google, encrypts Rich Communication Services messages to protect privacy in cross-platform texting. The beta rollout launched with support from participating carriers and represents a significant step toward securing SMS-alternative communications across competing platforms.