iOS 26.4 Beta Unleashes RCS Testing Between Apple and Android: Revolutionizing Texting!

Introduction of iOS 26.4’s First Beta Version

Last week, the initial beta release of iOS 26.4 was introduced, featuring an activation of end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging for some users. Apple specified that this encryption was initially available exclusively for communications between Apple devices as part of a testing phase.

Expansion in the Second Beta Release

In the more recent distribution of iOS 26.4’s second beta version, which occurred last night, the scope of the testing expanded to include encrypted RCS messaging between Apple and Android devices, while still excluding other platforms. The implementation of this encryption feature, which effectively prevents any interception during message transmission between devices, is contingent on carrier support.

Encryption Indicators

With the use of encrypted RCS, a lock icon now appears in the messaging interface, accompanied by the label “encrypted”. This same icon also now appears when switching from SMS to iMessage. According to Apple’s release notes, the RCS encryption testing will not conclude with the iOS 26.4 update but is expected to continue into a future update, though it has not been specified whether this will be iOS 26.5.