Apple is testing end-to-end encrypted RCS chats again.

Apple started testing the feature with its iOS 26.4 betas, but at the time, the company said the feature would actually arrive in a “future update.” Encrypted RCS messages are back with the first iOS 26.5 developer beta, 9to5Mac reports, so perhaps they will launch publicly on iOS soon. Posts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. Posts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed. A free daily digest of the news that matters most. The Verge is a part of PMX Global, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Media Corporation. © 2026 VM Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Sign in to see your notifications or create an account to join the conversation.