Back in September 2024, with the launch of iOS 18, Apple introduced support for RCS in its Messages app for the first time. However, this feature has a serious flaw – it doesn’t support end-to-end encryption, which is considered the gold standard for securing communications in the digital world. Now, nearly two years after launching the feature, Apple is finally closing the loophole with the release of iOS 26.5.
But what is RCS and why is end-to-end encryption important?
For those unfamiliar, RCS or Rich Communication Services is an Internet protocol-based upgrade to traditional SMS and MMS. This is a service provided by telecom service providers where your smartphone communicates with your network provider and its partners to set up RCS when connected to a mobile network. Essentially, RCS messages share messages using mobile data or Wi-Fi connections.
With RCS, you can share high-resolution photos, files, videos and audio messages without worrying about file size limits, know when your messages have been read with read receipts, see when others are typing messages with typing indicators, and even create and manage group chats – something traditional SMS and MMS can’t do.
Speaking of encryption, end-to-end encryption protects messages shared via RCS from being intercepted and read by anyone in the digital space, including malicious hackers. It’s the same encryption Meta uses to protect WhatsApp conversations. Since 2020, RCS messages have supported end-to-end encryption through the Google Messages app. However, Apple’s Messages app does not support end-to-end encryption in RCS messages, even though messages shared via iMessages remain encrypted. But with the launch of iOS 26.5, that’s about to change. An iMessage is a message shared between two Apple device users in the Messages app.
RCS encryption finally comes to iPhone!
Apple has released iOS 26.5 RC (release candidate). In the release notes for this update, the company has reportedly confirmed that iOS 26.5 will support end-to-end encryption of RCS messages in its Messages app, protecting all messages shared through the app.
The only thing to note is that both the sender and receiver should have RCS turned on on their Apple and Android devices for this feature to work.
Availability
Apple has released iOS 26.5 to developers. The update will be released to the public later this month.
