Messages between Android, iPhones could get end-to-end encryption soon
It looks like end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages on iPhones might be arriving sooner than expected. Code spotted in early iOS 26 betas suggests Apple is already testing the secure protocols needed to bring encrypted texting to RCS, closing one of the biggest gaps between iOS and Android messaging.
What this means in practice is that your RCS messages will finally get the same kind of protection iMessage has had for years. With end-to-end encryption, every message — whether it’s text, an image, or another file type — is scrambled on your device before it’s sent across the network. The only place it can be unscrambled is on the recipient’s device. In short: your messages stay private.
It’s a major move in the long and often petty text-messaging standoff between iOS and Android. Apple, after years of resistance, finally agreed to support RCS through the GSM Association, giving users on both platforms richer texting features like emoji reactions and higher-quality media. But while iMessage has long had E2EE, RCS on iPhones has remained pretty barebones — still green, still unencrypted. (And yes, Apple could change the color if it wanted to.)
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Now, Android Authority reports that iOS 26 contains code referencing the same secure group messaging protocol and security layer Google uses in Messages, hinting that Apple is laying the groundwork for encrypted RCS chats. The outlet doesn’t guarantee the feature will launch with iOS 26 in September since it could slip to a later update like 26.1, but it says it’s “optimistic” E2EE will land sooner rather than later.
If so, that’s likely the closest Apple will ever get to messaging parity with Android. Green bubbles aren’t going anywhere, but at least they might finally be secure.
Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable, covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.
In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and greatly enjoys Detroit sports. If you have any tips or want to talk shop about the Lions, you can reach out to him on Bluesky @offbrandchance.bsky.social or by email at [email protected].
