Apple has revived one of its most anticipated privacy features, as RCS messaging encryption has reappeared within the iOS 26.5 beta. This move reflects ongoing testing, although the feature has yet to receive an official public release.
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Encryption Returns in Beta 1
With the launch of iOS 26.5 Beta 1, Apple has brought back the End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) option for RCS conversations. The feature can be found within the Messages settings and is enabled by default. According to a report by PhoneArena, a lock icon now appears within encrypted chats to indicate a secure connection.
This feature previously surfaced during the iOS 26.4 beta cycles, where Apple began testing it between iPhones before expanding it to cross-platform conversations between iPhone and Android devices. However, in a surprising move, the feature was completely removed when the final stable version was released to the public.
The reappearance of this feature in the latest beta increases the likelihood of an official launch, even though it currently remains restricted to specific devices and carriers during the testing phase.
Addressing a Persistent Security Gap
The significance of this feature lies in its ability to bridge a major security loophole. Currently, RCS messages exchanged between iPhones and Android devices are not fully encrypted, making them theoretically vulnerable to interception.
In contrast, iMessage conversations between iPhones have enjoyed end-to-end encryption for years, and RCS messages between Android devices via Google Messages also support it. However, this protection disappears the moment a message crosses between the two operating systems.
The new encryption relies on the MLS (Messaging Layer Security) standard, which is part of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 specifications established by the GSMA.
Delays Raise Questions
Despite Apple announcing support for RCS encryption back in March 2025 and hints appearing as early as the iOS 26.3 betas, the feature has yet to reach a stable official release. This delay has raised questions regarding the pace of development.
Google has provided RCS encryption for Android users for years, continuing to evolve the standard. Meanwhile, Apple’s delay reinforces a perceived pattern in recent updates—where features are tested and then pulled before the final release—similar to the postponed updates for the Siri voice assistant.
Current Alternatives
While users can currently rely on third-party apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal for full cross-platform encryption, the absence of this feature in the native messaging app remains a weakness in the user experience.
With testing continuing in iOS 26.5, hopes remain that this update will finally bring the official rollout, though previous experiences suggest a cautious outlook on expectations.
