iOS 26.4 Beta 2 Tests End-to-End Encryption for Apple-to-Android RCS Chats

Apple is expanding messaging security by testing end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between iPhones and Android devices. The feature was quietly enabled in the second developer beta of iOS 26.4 seeded today.



According to Apple's release notes, RCS end-to-end encryption is available for testing in this beta but will not ship in the final version of iOS 26.4. The company says it will roll out to customers in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26 releases.


This marks a notable step forward for cross-platform messaging. During the first beta cycle, Apple began testing RCS end-to-end encryption, but it was limited to conversations between Apple devices. By opening the test to Android hardware, Apple is validating the complex interoperability required to fully secure texts, media, and attachments sent outside its ecosystem.

Because the feature remains in beta, Apple notes it is not available for all devices or carriers. When active, compatible threads will be specifically labeled as encrypted within the Messages app, confirming that messages can't be read while they're sent between devices.

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