Apple and Google Begin Testing Encrypted RCS Across Platforms

The green bubble gap is finally getting more secure. After a long wait, Apple has expanded its RCS efforts with iOS 26.4 Developer Beta 2, bringing end-to-end encrypted messaging to conversations between iPhone and Android devices. The update builds on the GSMA’s Universal Profile 3.0, which introduces a standardized encryption framework for cross-platform RCS chats.

iOS 26.4 beta unlocks secure RCS messaging for iPhone and Android

Apple recently began testing encrypted RCS, but the rollout was limited to iPhone-to-iPhone conversations over RCS. With the latest developer beta, encryption now extends to Android users as well. GSMA Universal Profile 3.0 can keep messages unreadable while in transit. No matter which device or client is being used. Cross-platform chats finally get the same level of protection users expect from modern messaging apps.

Google is also taking part in the beta test (via 9to5Google). On iOS, encrypted RCS chats show a Text Message RCS label along with an encryption status indicator in the Messages app. On Android, the familiar lock icon used for secure Android-to-Android chats appears inside Google Messages. Both companies note that support is currently limited to select devices and carriers.

To try it out, you’ll need an iPhone running iOS 26.4 beta 2. End-to-end encryption must be enabled under Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging. Android users need the latest Google Messages beta installed. Apple says encrypted RCS won’t be part of the public iOS 26.4 release. Instead, it’s expected to arrive with a future iOS 26 update, where cross-platform encryption should be turned on by default.