Apple Tests Cross-Platform Encrypted Messaging By Talking Only to Itself
KEY POINTS
- •Apple began testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging with the iOS 26.4 developer beta released on Monday.
- •This implementation currently encrypts RCS messages only between Apple devices, excluding Android compatibility at this stage.
- •Apple plans to launch public support for encrypted RCS messaging in an unspecified future update beyond iOS 26.4.
On a Monday seemingly manufactured for disappointment, Apple released the developer beta of iOS 26.4 to start testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging—because who doesn’t love a "future update" tease? Apple announced this cross-platform feature last year, promising iPhones and Androids could chat in secret. Except, plot twist: the initial test only encrypts RCS messages between Apple devices, so Android users get to stare at green bubbles like they're stuck in messaging purgatory. And no, you won't even get it in the public release of iOS 26.4—Apple insists on half-baking the encryption until some vaguely defined 'future update.' Because, confidentiality first, actual cross-platform convenience later.
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Apple loudly whispers about encrypted messages arriving in "future updates," currently usable only when talking to yourself. Android users stay green. Classic.
Apple’s new RCS encryption only works between iPhones, making Android users feel like they're broadcasting in Morse code.
The iPhone 17 Pro can encrypt RCS chats... if you only talk to another iPhone. Congrats on this exclusive club!
Source: Theverge | Published: 2/16/2026 | Author: Jay Peters
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