Apple's latest iOS 26.3 beta suggests the company is preparing to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, a major step toward closing the feature gap between iPhones and Android devices. For E2EE to work, the update requires support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0. This new standard brings several iMessage-like features to cross-platform texting, including the ability to edit and unsend messages, use in-line replies, and send full-fledged Tapbacks without workarounds.

Apple added basic RCS support in iOS 18, but this upgrade would deliver the modern messaging features users have come to expect. While Apple has offered E2EE for blue bubble iMessage chats for years, bringing that security to green bubble conversations is a significant development. The company previously announced plans for encrypted RCS but didn't give a timeline.

Now, the groundwork appears to be laid. However, the rollout depends on carrier implementation and potential collaboration with Google to ensure a consistent experience. Expect to see these features arrive sometime between iOS 26.3 and iOS 27, possibly starting in select regions.