Apple Re-Enables End-to-End Encrypted RCS in iOS 26.5 Beta

The missing “not shipping” notice suggests the upgrade is more likely to reach a public build.

Overview

Apple brought back end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between iPhone and Android in the iOS 26.5 developer beta after removing it before the 26.4 release.
A new End-to-End Encryption (Beta) switch appears under Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and it is turned on by default.
Apple labels the protection as a beta feature and warns it will not work on all devices or carriers.
The change aims to close a privacy gap, since Android-to-Android RCS and iMessage conversations already use end-to-end encryption.
Unlike the 26.4 beta notes, Apple’s 26.5 developer notes do not include a “not shipping” warning, though the company could still change course before release.