Apple has started testing encrypted RCS messaging in the latest developer seeds of iOS 26.4, alongside updates for iPadOS 26.4 and macOS Tahoe 26.4. The new beta introduces end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services, marking a significant step toward securing cross platform messaging on iPhone.
RCS support first arrived on iPhone without full encryption for messages exchanged between iOS and Android users. With iOS 26.4 beta, Apple is now testing end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations, bringing them closer to the security model long used by iMessage. However, as of this developer beta, encrypted RCS is limited to conversations between compatible Apple devices and is not yet available for Android chats.
According to Apple’s release notes, end-to-end encryption for RCS is in beta and not available for all devices or carriers. Conversations labeled as encrypted are protected while in transit, and a lock icon appears in supported chats to indicate that encryption is active. The feature is enabled by default for developers running the beta, though the rollout is gradual and not all testers will see it immediately.
To fully support encrypted RCS messaging, Apple will need to adopt RCS Universal Profile 3.0 from the GSM Association. The updated profile is built on the Messaging Layer Security protocol and also lays the groundwork for additional cross platform features such as message editing, message deletion, and inline replies in RCS conversations. Apple currently supports Universal Profile 2.4, so broader functionality is expected in a future iOS 26 update rather than in this initial beta.
Beyond encrypted RCS messaging, iOS 26.4 beta also expands system level protections. Apps can now opt in to the full safeguards of Memory Integrity Enforcement, a security feature Apple introduced in 2025 to strengthen memory safety across critical system components. This builds on Apple’s broader push to harden iOS against advanced threats.
In addition, Stolen Device Protection is expected to be enabled by default for all iPhone users in iOS 26.4. The feature requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication for sensitive actions such as accessing saved passwords or making Apple Account changes when the device is away from familiar locations. A one hour delay for certain account changes is also designed to give users time to mark a device as lost if it is stolen.
