End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling out today for Android and iPhone users

May 11, 2026

Google and Apple are rolling out end-to-end encryption for RCS, securing chats between Android and iPhone users by default.

Elmar Weber

GM, Android and Business Communications

A woman texting on an Android phone with end-to-end encryption enabled

Google Messages has had end-to-end encrypted messaging between Android devices for years, but we knew we couldn't stop there.

Google and Apple have led a cross-industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to Rich Communication Services (RCS), making the cross-platform messaging format that replaces traditional SMS more secure and private.

Starting today, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling out in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest version of Google Messages. ¹

When RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted, they can’t be read while they’re sent between devices.

Google Messages users will know a cross-platform conversation is end-to-end encrypted when they see the same lock icon previously used in RCS chats. Encryption is on by default and will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.

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Available on devices that support the RCS standard and have end-to-end encryption enabled.

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling out today for Android and iPhone users

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