iOS 26.5 will encrypt RCS text messages between iOS and Android. The encryption supports the iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch. The update brings new Pride wallpaper to iPhone and Apple Watch. iPhone owners ...

OS 26.5 just turned on encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android in 2026. Here's what changes, who's covered, and the one setting you need to check.

OS 26.5 adds encrypted RCS support for iPhone and Android chats, but users should look for the lock indicator before assuming cross-platform conversations are protected.

RCS is a developed communication protocol that modernizes text messaging using a user’s mobile data plan to send text messages via SMS or MMS. Google began promoting widespread use of RCS in 2019, ...

The modern phone is designed to handle much more than voice calling. Texting has become a mainstay for its convenience and the ability to manage non-urgent conversations with ease. Some of the best ...

Taylor worked with AP from 2018 to 2025, most recently as Google Editor. Apple is finally adding RCS messaging support to iOS in 2024, allowing for modern text communication features between Android ...

In a move that signifies a potential shift in mobile communication, Apple has begun rolling out Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging support with the closed beta of iOS 18. This development ...

David Nield is a technology journalist from Manchester in the U.K. who has been writing about gadgets and apps for more than 20 years. He has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Durham ...

Karandeep has been with Android Police as a freelance writer since 2019, covering reviews for India, buyer’s guides for the US, and handy tutorials for everyone. He cares more about the impact of ...

When considering text messaging, there are a few different texting methods to be aware of. RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, and it has been widely available on Android devices for a while.