Apple is finally preparing to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, a move that would secure cross-platform chats between iOS and Android. The shift follows the GSM Association’s release of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 last year, which standardized encryption and ended Apple’s reliance on a Google-specific implementation.

Encryption will protect not just text but also files and group chats, bringing parity with iMessage. Beyond security, the new standard includes features like message editing, unsending, and proper Tapback reactions. The groundwork is visible in early iOS 26.3 Beta 2 code, though full support may wait for iOS 27.

This long-awaited update addresses a major privacy gap in mobile messaging. While Apple has not offered a public timeline, industry watchers expect a rollout with the stable iOS 26.3 release. The move signals Apple’s willingness to embrace universal standards, improving the user experience for millions of Android and iPhone owners.