We knew we couldnt stop there: iOS 26.5 arrives with cross-platform encrypted RCS messaging, but theres a serious security catch

Date:
Tue, 12 May 2026 11:45:36 +0000

Description:
End-to-end encryption is coming to RCS messages, Apple and Google have announced.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Cross-platform RCS messages can now be sent with end-to-end encryption But that only happens if everyones devices are compatible Not every carrier supports the feature, either Apple has long been reluctant to support the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard on its devices because RCS is not encrypted by default . Now, though, Apple and Google have announced that they have brought
end-to-end encryption to cross-platform RCS, making your text messages a
whole lot more secure.

Google noted that we knew we couldn't stop there after previously enabling end-to-end RCS encryption on Android. Meanwhile, Apple said that, beginning May 11, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling out in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on
the latest version of Google Messages . The good news is that, providing your device is compatible and your carrier supports it, end-to-end encryption for RCS is enabled by default. You dont need to flip any switches or activate any settings, it just works out of the box to keep your texts private between you and the recipient. Latest Videos From You may like iOS 26.5 beta contains bad news for Siri and Apple Maps but there's a major privacy bonus for iPhone messaging RCS: The new reign of business messaging Apple Wallet may allow custom pass creation in iOS 27

Apple and Google say youll know that your texts are encrypted when you see a small padlock icon and the word Encrypted in your messages. If thats not present, anything you send will not be secured this way so be careful what you type. Not as secure as youd think (Image credit: Shutterstock /
DenPhotos) In case youre unsure, end-to-end encryption means that your messages are encrypted on the senders device, in transit, and on the
receivers device. That means that even if a hacker manages to intercept your texts, they still wont be able to read them. Its an important safety feature, especially considering how sensitive some text messages can be, and helps
take the security credentials of RCS up a notch or two.

However, its worth noting that there is a significant catch to the latest announcement. As alluded to above, both your device and carrier must support end-to-end encryption for the feature to work. That means that if youre in a group chat and even one persons device does not meet these specifications,
the entire chat will not be encrypted. Interestingly, a list of compatible carriers compiled by 9to5Mac does not contain Google Fi, despite Google working to enable end-to-end encryption in RCS.

Texts sent from one iPhone to another using Apples Messages app are always end-to-end encrypted. Texts sent between Android devices using Google
Messages are end-to-end encrypted as long as youre using RCS and have a
recent version of the app. But texts sent cross-platform even when using RCS
are not always end-to-end encrypted and wont be if one device isnt
compatible with the feature. Thats a sizeable snag to be aware of. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

It means that its always worth checking for the padlock icon if youre
planning to send messages across different smartphone platforms. And if you really want to be safe, you should switch to one of the best private
messaging apps to ensure everything you type is kept well away from prying eyes. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Today's best Apple
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/we-knew-we-couldnt-stop-there-ios-26-5-arrive s-with-cross-platform-encrypted-rcs-messaging-but-theres-a-serious-security-ca tch


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