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Apple Moves Closer to End-to-End Encryption for RCS

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Apple is progressing toward end-to-end encryption for RCS messages on iPhones, as shown by the iOS 26.3 beta.
The update lays groundwork for carriers to enable E2EE and aligns with the GSM Association's finalized standard.
A new carrier control setting lets French carriers manage encryption at the market level.
Apple has previously announced plans for encrypted RCS messaging, but no timeline exists.

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Story summary

Apple is progressing toward end-to-end encryption for RCS messages on iPhones, as shown by the iOS 26.3 beta.
The update lays groundwork for carriers to enable E2EE and aligns with the GSM Association's finalized standard.
A new carrier control setting lets French carriers manage encryption at the market level.
Apple has previously announced plans for encrypted RCS messaging, but no timeline exists.