- Cross-platform RCS messages can now be sent with end-to-end encryption
- But that only happens if everyone’s devices are compatible
- Not all operators support the feature either.
Apple has long been reluctant to support the Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging standard on its devices because RCS is not encrypted by default. Now, however, Apple and Google have announced that they have added end-to-end encryption to cross-platform RCS, making your text messages much more secure.
Google noted that “we knew we couldn’t stop there” after previously enabling end-to-end RCS encryption on Android. Meanwhile, Apple said that starting May 11, “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.”
The good news is that, as long as your device is compatible and your carrier supports it, end-to-end encryption for RCS is enabled by default. You don’t need to flip any switches or activate any settings, it just works out of the box to keep your text messages private between you and the recipient.
Apple and Google say you’ll know your text messages are encrypted when you see a small lock icon and the word “Encrypted” in your messages. If you are not present, anything you send will not be protected in this way, so be careful what you write.
It’s not as safe as you think
In case you’re not sure, end-to-end encryption means your messages are encrypted on the sender’s device, in transit, and on the receiver’s device. That means that even if a hacker manages to intercept your text messages, they still won’t be able to read them. It’s an important security feature, especially considering how sensitive some text messages can be, and helps take RCS’s security credentials up a notch or two.
However, it’s worth noting that there is a major problem with the latest announcement. As mentioned above, both your device and your carrier has to Supports end-to-end encryption for the feature to work. That means that if you’re in a group chat and even one person’s device doesn’t meet these specifications, the entire chat won’t be encrypted. Interestingly, a list of supported carriers compiled by 9to5Mac does not contain Google Fi, even though Google is working to enable end-to-end encryption on RCS.
Text messages sent from one iPhone to another using Apple’s Messages app are always end-to-end encrypted. Text messages sent between Android devices using Google Messages are end-to-end encrypted as long as you use RCS and have a recent version of the app. But text messages sent cross-platform, even when RCS is used, are not always end-to-end encrypted and won’t be if a device doesn’t support the feature. That is an important drawback that must be taken into account.
It means it’s always worth looking for the lock icon if you plan to send messages across different smartphone platforms. And if you really want to be safe, you should switch to one of the best private messaging apps to make sure everything you type stays away from prying eyes.
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