Apple has enhanced the messaging experience between iPhones and Android phones by introducing RCS support, albeit slowly, since late 2024. Initially, these RCS chats lacked end-to-end encryption, but the latest iOS 26.5 update has changed that. With this update, iPhones now feature end-to-end encryption for RCS chats with Android devices, including Samsung Galaxy phones, ensuring that exchanged messages remain private and secure. This advancement is part of the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 standard, which Apple has newly adopted. However, the rollout of this feature is limited to certain regions and carriers, and global availability might take several months. Users in supported areas will notice a lock icon and an “Encrypted” label in their RCS chat threads. The activation of RCS chats on eligible carriers will occur automatically, covering both existing and new conversations progressively. It remains uncertain if Apple’s adoption of RCS Universal Profile 3.0 includes additional features such as inline replies, message editing and deletion, cross-platform message reactions, and enhanced voice message quality.
Are RCS chats between Galaxy phones and iPhones now encrypted?
