Apple is still labeling RCS encryption as a beta feature in iOS 26.5. It is enabled by default. You can toggle it on or off by going to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and looking for the new “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” toggle.

Messages between people on Instagram will lose the tightest encryption they once had, though other Meta apps will keep it around.

Jake Peterson is Lifehacker’s Tech Editor, and has been covering tech news and how-tos for nearly a decade. His team covers all things technology, including AI, smartphones, computers, game consoles, and subscriptions. December 12, 2024 Add as a ...

Apple joined the RCS bandwagon last year, giving its users the ability to exchange rich text messages with their Android counterparts. The only problem? Those messages are not encrypted, exposing them to security risks. Now, Apple will soon eliminate that ...

Google is pressing forward with the evolution of RCS by quietly rolling out tests for Messaging Layer Security (MLS), the protocol meant to finally bring true cross-platform end-to-end encryption to messaging. The change, spotted in Google Messages, aligns ...

Apple says it will add support for a new Rich Communication Services (RCS) specification that includes end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages sent over the protocol in future software updates. "End-to-end encryption is a powerful privacy and security ...

A forthcoming update means new features and changes, including end-to-end encryption for texts sent between iPhones and Android phones. Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just one month away.