Last week, Apple released the first iOS 16.4 beta, which included a bunch of new features and changes to Apple’s mobile software. Included was the news that Apple had started testing encrypted RCS messaging, but only between iPhones. Now, with the release of iOS 16.4 beta 2, that’s changed.
At the time, I hoped Apple would soon test encryption for RCS messages between iPhones and Androids. I did not expect this to happen quickly, but I am glad it has.
iPhone beta testers must have the latest iOS 16.4 beta installed to participate in cross-platform testing. Android users will need to have the latest version of Google Messages.
Apple has affirmed that this feature will be in testing for a while. It will not ship the final version of iOS 26.4 and is not available for all devices and carriers. You have to be one of the few beta testers to send encrypted messages to your Android-using friends.
Apple has previously confirmed that RCS won’t change the green bubble situation, so Android users will remain green regardless of encryption status, while iMessages are displayed in blue. However, testers will see a lock icon on all encrypted messages, indicating the security of their conversations.
That change applies to our CS and iMessage, so there is absolutely no confusion. No lock means your messages are about as secure as an open gate.
The benefit of RCS messaging between iPhone and Android is that all cross-platform issues are gone. Larger file-sharing limits mean photos and videos are not heavily compressed, and users get modern features like real-time typing indicators and reaction emojis.
Soon, everyone will benefit from end-to-end encryption, which secures messages from anyone trying to intercept them. We do not know when it will be available to all. Apple has only said it will arrive in future releases of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26.
Ultimately, we will have to wait until Apple confirms everything works as intended.
Source: iOS 26.4 beta 2 now lets iPhones send encrypted RCS messages to Android — here’s how it works
