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Apple Introduces Encrypted RCS on iOS 26.5 in US.

5/10/2026

28 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Apple will add encrypted RCS messaging in the United States with iOS 26.5 next week.
The beta works only with carriers that support end-to-end encrypted RCS and will roll out gradually.
Not all iPhones can send fully secure RCS because device compatibility limits the feature.
Encryption may switch between encrypted and unencrypted depending on the networks, requiring Google Messages to have both ends updated for full RCS encryption.

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Story summary

Apple will add encrypted RCS messaging in the United States with iOS 26.5 next week.
The beta works only with carriers that support end-to-end encrypted RCS and will roll out gradually.
Not all iPhones can send fully secure RCS because device compatibility limits the feature.
Encryption may switch between encrypted and unencrypted depending on the networks, requiring Google Messages to have both ends updated for full RCS encryption.