iOS 26.5 to bring end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to Messages, Apple confirms
Tom Sykes
Posted On 05/05/2026
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Apple has confirmed that iOS 26.5 will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app.
The detail appears in Apple’s upcoming release notes, which state that “end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” That means the feature won’t be available to everyone straight away, and will depend on carrier support.
Ahead of the public release, which is expected as soon as next week, Apple also plans to publish a list of carriers that support RCS end-to-end encryption on its website, though that information isn’t live yet.
