- Cross-platform RCS messages can now be sent with end-to-end encryption
- But that only happens if everyone’s devices are compatible
- Not all providers support the function either
Apple has long been reluctant to support the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard on its devices because RCS is not encrypted by default. However, now Apple and Google have announced that they have brought end-to-end encryption to cross-platform RCS, making your text messages much more secure.
Google noted that “we knew we couldn’t stop there” after previously enabling end-to-end RCS encryption on Android. Meanwhile, Apple said that starting May 11, “end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging will begin rolling out in beta to iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest version of Google Messages.”
The good news is that end-to-end encryption for RCS is enabled by default, provided your device is compatible and your carrier supports it. You don’t need to flip any switches or activate any settings, it just works out of the box to keep your texts private between you and the recipient.
Apple and Google say you know your texts are encrypted when you see a small padlock icon and the word “encrypted” in your messages. If it’s not present, anything you send won’t be secured this way – so be careful what you write.
Not as safe as you’d think
If you’re unsure, end-to-end encryption means your messages are encrypted on the sender’s device, in transit and on the recipient’s device. This means that even if a hacker manages to intercept your texts, they still won’t be able to read them. It’s an important security feature, especially considering how sensitive some text messages can be, and helps take RCS’s security credentials up a notch or two.
However, it’s worth noting that there is a significant catch to the latest announcement. As mentioned above, both your device and carrier bowl support end-to-end encryption for the feature to work. This means that if you are in a group chat and even one person’s device does not meet these specifications, the entire chat will not be encrypted. Interestingly, a list of compatible carriers compiled by 9to5Mac does not include Google Fi, despite Google working to enable end-to-end encryption in RCS.
Texts sent from one iPhone to another using Apple’s Messages app are always end-to-end encrypted. Texts sent between Android devices using Google Messages are end-to-end encrypted as long as you use RCS and have a newer version of the app. But texts sent across platforms — even when using RCS — aren’t always end-to-end encrypted, and won’t be if a device isn’t compatible with the feature. That’s a big chin to be aware of.
This means it’s always worth checking for the padlock icon if you plan to send messages across different smartphone platforms. And if you really want to be safe, you should switch to one of the best private messaging apps to ensure that everything you write is kept far away from prying eyes.
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