iOS 26.4: New RCS encryption in beta testing

With iOS 26.4, Apple is beginning to test end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in a beta version. This marks another step toward more secure, cross-platform communication on the iPhone. However, the feature is not yet fully implemented but is part of a limited testing phase. The iOS 26.4 beta is initially intended for developers. A public beta is expected to follow at a later date.

Apple announced last March its intention to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. With the release of iOS 26.4 Beta 1, this plan is now being implemented for the first time.

It's important to note that encryption is not yet an official part of the regular update. In the developer release notes, Apple explicitly states that the feature will only be available to all customers in a future iOS 26 software update. The current version is for testing purposes only.

Background: RCS on the iPhone

The foundation for this development was laid with iOS 18.1. At that time, Apple introduced RCS support on the iPhone. This significantly expanded communication between iPhone and Android users. RCS features include:

Typing indicators
Read receipts
High-resolution photo and video attachments
Improved cross-platform messaging

RCS thus closes many gaps that classic SMS and MMS messages previously had.

What exactly is new in iOS 26.4

With iOS 26.4, a new option is added to the Settings app. This allows testing of end-to-end encrypted RCS messages. The option is enabled by default.

However, this doesn't automatically mean the feature can be used immediately. Apple is rolling out encryption gradually to beta users. Even if the setting is visible, it may not yet be possible to test encrypted RCS messages.

Apple clearly labels the feature as a beta. It is not available for all devices or network operators.

iOS 26.4 RCS encryption — Image: Apfelpatient

Limitations of the current test phase

The first test version has several limitations:

RCS end-to-end encryption is not yet part of the final iOS 26.4 update.
The full rollout will only take place in a future iOS 26 software update.
In the current beta version, RCS encryption can only be tested between Apple devices.
Encryption of RCS messages between iPhone and Android is currently not possible.

Specifically, this means that encrypted RCS messages currently only work between iPhones, and essentially only when iMessage is deactivated.

Apple has announced that the feature will be tested across platforms at a later date.

Changes in the Messages app

In addition to the new setting, the user interface of the messaging app has also been adjusted. When an RCS conversation is conducted with end-to-end encryption enabled, a new lock icon appears in the chat thread.

This lock symbol indicates that messages cannot be read during transmission between devices.

The symbol is also displayed in iMessage threads. iMessage has supported end-to-end encryption since 2011. This symbol thus provides a consistent visual identifier for encrypted conversations.

Official statements from Apple

In the developer release notes for iOS 26.4, Apple clarifies the following points:

RCS end-to-end encryption can be tested in this beta version.
This feature is not yet fully included in this version.
It will be available to customers in a future iOS 26 software update.
Encryption is always active, so messages cannot be read during transmission between devices.
In this beta version, RCS encryption between Apple devices can be tested, but it is not yet compatible with other platforms.
This feature is not available for all devices or network operators.

Apple is thus clarifying that this is a preparatory testing phase.

Availability of iOS 26.4

iOS 26.4 is currently being rolled out to developer beta testers. A public beta version is expected to follow at a later date. A specific release date for the encrypted RCS feature has not yet been announced.

iOS 26.4 begins testing phase for encrypted RCS messages

iOS 26.4 introduces a test environment for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages on the iPhone for the first time. The functionality is currently limited and restricted to Apple devices. Full integration will be included in a later iOS 26 update.

Despite its limitations, the beta is an important interim step. Apple is using it to prepare for comprehensive support of encrypted RCS messages, which will enable secure cross-platform communication in the future. (Image: Apple)