iOS end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling today in beta

With today's release of iOS 26.5, Apple has begun rolling out beta support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging. As with all things RCS, there are some basic requirements both you and the recipient of your messages will need to fulfill before you messages are secured in transit. 

First, you'll need an iPhone running iOS 26.5 connected to a wireless network that supports E2E encrypted messaging over RCS. You can find the full list of compatible networks on Apple's website. In the US, AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are all out of the gate with day-one support for the protocol. As for your Android friends, they'll need the latest version of Google Messages, running on a device connected to a compatible network. 

On an iPhone, if you see a new lock icon at the top of your RCS chats, the conversation you're in is ...