By Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA
Today marks an important step forward for mobile users, as Apple's latest software update (iOS 26.5) brings end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging. This additional security is now starting to roll out for conversations between iPhone users running iOS 26.5 and Android devices running the latest version of Google Messages.
This welcome development is the result of close cross-industry collaboration between the GSMA RCS Working Group, including Apple, Google and the wider mobile ecosystem. Crucially, new secure services are being provided on an open and globally recognized basis. RCS is based on an industry specification called RCS Universal Profile, published by the GSMA and developed with input from across the mobile industry, including significant contributions from Apple and Google. It is also a clear example of what can be achieved when the industry works together on open standards.
For users, the benefit is simple: E2EE RCS messages cannot be read by anyone except the sender and receiver when sent between Apple and Android devices, including Apple or Google. This provides users with the highest level of privacy and security while sending messages. Once enabled by supported mobile network operators, users will be able to recognize newly encrypted conversations by a lock icon.
We now encourage our members to take advantage of these new capabilities and enable more secure RCS messaging for personal and business users around the world.
Read more in Apple Newsroom and in this Google blog.
