Google and Apple began a coordinated rollout today that brings end-to-end encryption to Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging for chats between Android and iPhone users. The change makes encrypted cross-platform messaging the default for eligible users in the current beta release.
The E2EE capability is being introduced in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 who have access through supported carriers, and for Android users on the latest version of Google Messages. RCS is the messaging format that replaces traditional SMS, and the new cross-platform encryption extends protection that Google Messages has provided between Android devices for years.
When RCS conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption, the messages cannot be read while in transit between devices. Users will see an indicator signaling that a conversation is encrypted - the same lock icon previously used in RCS chats. According to the companies, encryption will be enabled by default and will be activated automatically over time for both new and existing RCS conversations.
Neither company specified a timetable for when all eligible users will receive the beta encryption feature, and they did not list which carriers currently support the functionality. Those details remain outstanding as the rollout progresses.
Summary of the rollout
- End-to-end encryption for RCS messages between Android and iPhone begins beta deployment.
- Eligible users include iPhone devices on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest Google Messages version.
- Google Messages previously offered E2EE between Android devices; the new rollout covers cross-platform chats and shows a lock icon to indicate protection.
Context and mechanics
The feature will be automatically turned on over time for both new and existing RCS conversations. Users identifying a cross-platform conversation as end-to-end encrypted will see the same lock icon that has been used for RCS chats. Beyond those implementation notes, the companies have not provided additional scheduling or carrier-compatibility specifics.