Apple’s latest iOS 26.4 beta quietly takes a major step toward fixing one of the longest-running messaging gaps between iPhone and Android.
With beta 2, Apple has begun testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages sent between iPhone and Android devices.
That’s significant. While iMessage has long supported end-to-end encryption for iPhone-to-iPhone chats, RCS conversations between iPhone and Android users have lacked full encryption. Android-to-Android RCS chats already support E2EE. However, cross-platform conversations have remained exposed during transit until now.
Apple first introduced RCS encryption testing in the initial iOS 26.4 beta. At first, it was limited to iPhone-to-iPhone chats with iMessage disabled. Beta 2 expands that testing to actual iPhone-to-Android conversations. To try it, iPhone users need the second iOS 26.4 beta installed. Meanwhile, Android users must be running the latest version of Google Messages.
There is one important caveat: this feature is still in testing and won’t ship in the final iOS 26.4 release. Apple’s developer notes confirm that encrypted RCS messaging will roll out in a future iOS 26 update instead. During the beta phase, encryption is also limited by device and carrier support.
When active, encrypted RCS conversations will be clearly labelled, and messages can’t be read while being transmitted between devices. Apple says it worked alongside the GSM Association to bring this implementation in line with broader RCS standards.
iOS 26.4 Beta 2 (build 23E5218e), released on February 24, 2026, includes this testing change alongside general refinements. There are still some known issues – for example, the redesigned App Store account panel doesn’t load in Lockdown Mode. This is a bug carried over from beta 1. Importantly, Apple is continuing to collect feedback through its dedicated Feedback app as development progresses.
For now, the update doesn’t radically change the messaging experience day-to-day. But it does signal something bigger: Apple is moving closer to fully securing iPhone-to-Android conversations. As a result, RCS is one step nearer to parity with iMessage.
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