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Apple and Google Test Encrypted RCS Messaging Across Devices

2/24/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Apple and Google have begun testing encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android using iOS 26.4 Developer Beta 2.
The update adds end-to-end encryption for cross-platform chats, making messages unreadable in transit.
In iOS Messages, encrypted chats show 'Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted'; Android shows a lock icon.
Users must enable encryption in Settings.
Support is limited to select devices and carriers.

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Story summary

Apple and Google have begun testing encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android using iOS 26.4 Developer Beta 2.
The update adds end-to-end encryption for cross-platform chats, making messages unreadable in transit.
In iOS Messages, encrypted chats show 'Text Message · RCS | [lock icon] Encrypted'; Android shows a lock icon.
Users must enable encryption in Settings.
Support is limited to select devices and carriers.