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iOS 26.4 beta adds support for testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging

Apple enables early testers to try end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging on iPhones, with full cross-platform support and customer release planned in future iOS 26 updates.

  • Developers installing iOS 26.4 beta 1 can test end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging on iPhone, according to Apple’s release notes.
  • Apple added RCS in iOS 18.1 to enable richer cross-platform features and previously cited encryption gaps as a reason for delayed adoption while working with the GSMA and Google on encryption plans.
  • A new Settings toggle in iOS 26.4 lets developers test RCS E2EE, limited to iPhone-to-iPhone messaging when iMessage is off, with a lock icon showing encryption is active.
  • Rollout will be gradual and depend on carrier and device support, with Apple saying the feature won’t ship in this release and full deployment requiring RCS Universal Profile 3.0 upgrade.
  • With E2EE added for RCS, Apple says messages between iPhone and Android users will be as secure as iMessage, with cross-platform testing and a public beta planned for spring.
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The new iOS developer beta reveals good news for the security of your messages by testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. [Read more] Find a summary of the best tech news every morning on WhatsApp, our new Frandroid discussion channel that you can join now!

Apple has just crossed a symbolic course in the cold war of blue and green bubbles: the first beta developer of d的iOS 26.4 activates end-to-end encryption tests (E2EE) for RCS messages. On paper, it is the part that was missing to secure the exchanges between iPhone and Android. In fact, this [...] The article iOS 26.4: Apple finally tests the encrypted RCS from end to end — but not yet with Android appeared first on BlogNT: the Blog of New Tech…

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MacRumors broke the news in United States on Monday, February 16, 2026.
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