End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging launches for iPhone, Android users

Last Updated on May 13, 2026

Google has started rolling out end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS Messaging for iPhones and Android. This ensures a new layer of security for messages between iPhones & Android phones. It has become possible with the release of Apple’s latest iOS 26.5 update.

“Starting today, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling out in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest version of Google Messages,” Google has said in its blog.

So, the chats between iPhones and Androids are now encrypted by default. As of now, Google Messages, the default messaging app on Android phones, boasted end-to-end encryption on RCS messages, but iPhones lacked it. But both platforms’ cooperation has led to the integration of this security layer starting from the latest OS update.

Benefits of End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone-Android

With RCS messages end-to-end encrypted, they can’t be read when they are sent between iPhone and Android. It eliminates the possibility of third parties looking into those messages. It means that possible hackers, surveillance, government agencies, and even service providers won’t be able to see those messages.

According to Google, Android users of Google Messages can learn that their messages with iPhones are encrypted with a lock icon they see in RCS chats. The company says that encryption is active by default and will be on for existing and new RCS messages, too.

Check out: Ntc SMS packs

E2EE rollout timeline for iPhone-Android RCS chats

Google says that the current beta E2EE for iPhone-Android RCS chats rolls out with supported operators and Android users on the latest version of Google Messages. The feature will see expansion throughout 2026 and later after cooperation with more operators in more regions.

In Nepal, RCS Messages have been out of service. It’s due to telcos not supporting it; however, we expect its second coming somewhere in the future.

With iPhones now supporting E2EE for RCS chats with Android, you will feel more secure and protected with your messages. The only thing is that if you haven’t got it, you will need to wait for its rollout for a while.

Check out: Why are People more likely to respond less to New Year text messages?

RCS Availability in Nepal

As per several sources, RCS messaging is not available in Nepal at the moment. Previously, RCS used to work in Android messaging app but now from more than couple of years, it is not working. The error in the Message settings for RCS chat in Android says “RCS chats are not support by your carrier” for both Ntc and Ncell. There are rumors of Government blocking the RCS chats in Nepal, most probably for security, but it has not been confirmed yet.

FAQs on End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone and Android users