Apple has finally brought end-to-end encryption to RCS messages between iPhone and Android devices. The feature arrived in iOS 26.5, now available to all users, securing cross-platform text conversations the same way iMessage-to-iMessage chats have been for years.

Encryption is enabled by default, with a toggle available in Settings. A small lock symbol appears on encrypted conversations. Both sender and receiver need carriers supporting the latest RCS version for encryption to work, and Android users must run the latest Google Messages app. The feature remains in beta even in the launch version.

Apple worked with Google and the GSM Association to build this into the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 standard using the Messaging Layer Security protocol. Previously, RCS messages between iPhones and Androids lacked the security protection that iMessage offered, creating an uneven experience across platforms. Now cross-platform messaging finally matches the encryption standards users expect.