SECURITY % min read

Cross-platform texting finally gets encrypted as Apple adopts RCS

Cross-platform texting finally gets encrypted as Apple adopts RCS
Photo by Miguelangel Perez / Unsplash

Apple and Google are finally bringing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to cross-platform chats, allowing iPhone and Android users to exchange secure messages without relying on third-party apps. The feature, now in beta on iOS 26.5 and the latest Google Messages, replaces the old unencrypted SMS and carrier-dependent RCS fallback. A lock icon will indicate when encryption is active, bringing Android to iPhone messaging closer to the privacy standards of WhatsApp and Signal. While rollout depends on regional carrier support, this marks a major shift toward secure, interoperable messaging across the two dominant mobile ecosystems.

Read the full story on The Register →