Jay Peters, a seasoned reporter specializing in technology, gaming, and related fields, has been with The Verge since 2019. Prior to joining the publication, he spent close to two years as a staff member at Techmeme, establishing a strong foundation in the tech news landscape. Peters continues to deliver insightful coverage on the evolving world of consumer electronics and digital communication.
Apple Begins Testing Encrypted RCS Messaging
Apple has initiated testing of end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging within the latest developer beta of iOS 26.4, released on Monday. This move represents a significant step towards enhanced security and interoperability in mobile messaging. The implementation aims to ultimately enable secure RCS communication between users on both iPhone and Android devices, bridging a long-standing gap in messaging security.
However, the initial phase of testing is limited in scope. Currently, Apple confirms that the E2EE RCS functionality is exclusively available for communication between Apple devices and is “not yet testable with other platforms.” Despite the beta release, users should not expect immediate availability of the feature.
RCS Encryption Rollout Timeline
The company clarified that E2EE RCS messaging will not be included in the public release of iOS 26.4. Instead, Apple stated the feature is slated for deployment in a “future update,” indicating a phased rollout approach. This decision allows for thorough testing and refinement before wider distribution.
The development aligns with industry efforts to bolster RCS security. In September 2024, the GSM Association, a key organization involved in RCS development, announced its focus on E2EE messaging as a crucial component of the “next major milestone” for the RCS Universal Profile. Apple subsequently affirmed in March 2025 its commitment to supporting E2EE RCS across its ecosystem – iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS – in “future software updates.”
Additional Features in iOS 26.4 Beta
Beyond the advancements in messaging security, the first iOS 26.4 developer beta introduces a new convenience for podcast listeners. Users can now “seamlessly” transition between audio and video formats of the same podcast, offering a more flexible and engaging listening experience. This feature caters to the growing popularity of podcasts and provides a more versatile consumption method.
This update demonstrates Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining its software offerings and incorporating features that enhance user experience and security.
