Apple has started testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging with the release of iOS 26.4 developer beta.
The move marks an important step toward secure cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users. While Apple announced last year that it would support encrypted RCS messages, this is the first time the feature has appeared in a live beta build.
For now, the encryption test is limited to Apple devices only. That means developers can test encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones, but it is not yet available for communication with Android devices. Apple has clarified that cross-platform encryption is still under development and will arrive in a future software update. The company also confirmed that encrypted RCS will not be publicly released with iOS 26.4.
RCS, which stands for Rich Communication Services, already improves texting between iPhone and Android by offering better media sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts. However, one major missing feature has been end-to-end encryption across platforms. The GSM Association, which oversees the RCS Universal Profile standard, announced in September 2024 that encrypted messaging was part of its next major milestone. In March 2025, Apple confirmed it would bring encrypted RCS support to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in future updates.
Once fully implemented, encrypted RCS messaging will allow iPhone and Android users to send secure messages that cannot be read by third parties. This would bring cross-platform messaging closer to the privacy standards already seen in services like iMessage and other secure chat platforms.
Alongside encrypted RCS testing, the first iOS 26.4 developer beta also introduces a new feature in Apple Podcasts. Users will be able to seamlessly switch between audio and video versions of podcasts, making the listening experience more flexible.
If this article helped you, please consider supporting our work. Every small contribution keeps Abijita.com independent and running.
Apple’s testing of encrypted RCS signals a major shift toward improving security and bridging the gap between iPhone and Android messaging. While full cross-platform encryption is not available yet, the groundwork is clearly being laid for a more secure messaging experience in upcoming updates.
