Apple's iOS 26.5 update now supports end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS), meaning conversations between Apple's Messages app and Google Messages on Android can be encrypted by default. This fulfills a commitment both companies made to bring the privacy protections of end-to-end encryption to cross-platform messaging.
How it works
The encryption is enabled when both the carrier and the devices support RCS and encrypted messaging. Apple and Google have implemented the GSMA RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol for encryption. When active, neither Google, Apple, nor the cellular carriers can read the message contents.
On Apple devices, the feature is currently marked as beta, likely because the rollout depends on carrier support and the Android device running the most recent version of Google Messages. Once all participants are on compatible software and the carrier supports it, a lock icon and the text "Encrypted" will appear at the top of the conversation.
What's still not protected
While message content is encrypted, metadata (who you're talking to, when, and for how long) is likely still collected and stored. For conversations requiring maximum privacy, alternatives like Signal remain a better option.
Cloud backups also present a gap. If you back up iMessage conversations to iCloud, they may be stored unencrypted unless you enable Advanced Data Protection on iOS. Google Messages end-to-end encrypts the text of messages in backups, but not the media. Until both platforms offer full backup encryption comparable to Apple's Advanced Data Protection, cloud backups remain a potential weak point.
When you'll see it
Because the rollout depends on carriers and device software versions, it may take time before encrypted RCS appears in your chats. Until you see the lock icon and "Encrypted" label, conversations are not protected with end-to-end encryption.
Bottom line
This is a significant step forward for the privacy of cross-platform messaging. The encryption itself is solid, but metadata exposure and cloud backup gaps mean it's not a complete privacy solution. For everyday chats, it's a meaningful improvement over unencrypted SMS. For sensitive conversations, dedicated encrypted apps remain the safer choice.