Observed Signal · May 11, 2026 · Technical Release · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Android–iPhone Texts Get End-to-End Encryption
On May 11, 2026, Apple and Google began a beta rollout enabling end-to-end encrypted (e2ee) text messaging between iPhone and Android devices using the RCS (Rich Communication Services) standard. The rollout enables cross-platform features such as typing indicators, read receipts, emoji reactions and encrypted transit of messages; encrypted conversations display a lock icon. The article notes iMessage has been encrypted since 2011 and that Android users have had e2ee via RCS among themselves since 2021. Apple began supporting RCS in 2023 after regulatory pressure. The e2ee RCS rollout is currently in beta and may not be available to all users immediately.
A technical release from major platforms (Apple and Google) that materially increases cross-platform user privacy; this reduces available message-level signals and can affect targeting/measurement practices across messaging channels.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- End-to-end encrypted messaging between iPhone and Android began beta rollout on May 11, 2026.
- The cross-platform encryption uses the RCS (Rich Communication Services) texting standard.
- iMessage has been end-to-end encrypted since its 2011 launch.
- Android users have been able to use end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging among themselves since 2021.
- Encrypted cross-platform conversations show a lock icon when protection is active.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mappedOntology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
iOS 26.5 Adds End-to-End Encryption for RCS
Apple released version 26.5 for iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS (rolled out in May 2026), introducing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the Messages app. The encryption implements RCS Universal Profile 3.0 and uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol; Apple marks the feature as beta and is rolling it out gradually. Encrypted RCS requires both chat participants to use RCS 3.0‑compatible apps and for mobile carriers to support the standard. In Germany, Telekom, O2 and 1&1 are listed by Apple as supporting encrypted RCS chats; Vodafone is not. The update also includes a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, early ad tests in Apple Maps in some regions, numerous security patches across Apple platforms, and version updates for older OS releases to address vulnerabilities.
GSMA finalises RCS 4.0 adding native video calls
The GSMA has finalised the RCS Universal Profile 4.0 specification, upgrading Rich Communication Services (the SMS successor) with features aimed at closing the gap to modern messaging apps. RCS 4.0 adds native video calls (including late join for group calls), text formatting (bold/italic/underline), improved photo/video/audio transfer with automatic format selection, and business-oriented features such as streaming videos in message cards and finer link-handling behavior. RCS 3.0 (finalised March 2025) introduced native end-to-end encryption, but platform vendors and carriers are still testing rollout. The article notes Apple and Google are testing encryption support (Apple has said it will ship encryption with a later update, possibly iOS 26.5) and that broad device availability for RCS 4.0 likely will not arrive before 2027, with Google/Android expected to lead adoption.
RCS Revolutionizes Mobile Marketing: What You Must Know
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is accelerating as a marketing channel after Apple added RCS support to iPhones (iOS 18) and Apple and Google began testing cross-platform RCS encryption. Adoption and daily usage metrics rose sharply in 2024–2025: Google reported over 1 billion RCS messages daily in May 2025, T-Mobile users sent ~613 million daily RCS messages, and Infobip reported 550% RCS adoption growth in 2024. Vendors and platforms launched RCS-focused features and services — Twilio introduced Rich Content Cards and later announced general availability of RCS for customers, Attentive launched RCS Business Messaging in the U.S., Infobip deployed RCS across the four major U.S. carriers, and Cordial added RCS support. Reports highlight benefits (higher open and click rates) and risks (projected growth in RCS fraud). Marketers and vendors expect RCS to enable richer, measurable mobile experiences and new commerce flows inside messaging.
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