Apple took its sweet time to integrate RCS support for its messaging platforms, but it has failed to fully equip the iPhone with end-to-end encryption. Back in March, Apple promised to add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to the Messages app, but so far, even in iOS 26 beta, the messages remain unencrypted from one point to the other, which means that there still exists a potential threat. Apple has released the third developer beta of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26 for testing purposes, which can be downloaded on compatible devices through the Settings app.
Apple’s delayed rollout of encrypted RCS messaging casts doubt on its dedication to cross-platform privacy standards
End-to-end encryption support for RCS was announced in March as part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile, which is a global standard for features and specifications for the platform. This means that Apple has indirectly confirmed to adopt the latest version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile. Other than encryption for enhanced privacy and security, version 3.0 also includes a range of iMessage-like features, which were introduced in the RCS Universal Profile version 2.7.
If you are unfamiliar with the changes coming with version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile, check out the list below. You can see that most of these features are already part of the iMessage app on iPhone, iPad, and macOS, and Apple accepting the update would be better for the entire spectrum of users, be it iOS or Android.
- Tapback support for RCS messages with no workarounds
- Ability to unsend messages
- Edit sent messages
- In-line replies
- End-to-end encryption for enhanced privacy and security
Google spent months convincing Apple through ads and mocking it for delaying RCS support on the iPhone. While Apple did not budge for a while, it soon realized that adding support for the utility would be better for all users, including iOS users, as it would allow them to better communicate with non-iOS devices. However, it also meant that iMessage would lose its unique market that only caters to its own ecosystem. From my perspective, Apple's ecosystem is far wider than just iMessage, and adding Android to the mix would only enhance it further. Note that there are still a plethora of features that are exclusive to iMessage, and the company would continue to add more in future updates, which Android messaging platforms will not be able to enjoy.
Apple added RCS support with the launch of iOS 18 and the version currently supported is 2.4. The war between blue bubbles and green bubbles is an ongoing fiasco and it will never end, unless the Cupertino giant suddenly decides to bring iMessage to Android, which it never will. We also have to note that Apple could update to version 3.0 in future versions of iOS 26 beta or potentially with the final release, we can stay hopeful at this stage.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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