Apple continues its efforts to enhance privacy and security on iPhones, with a recent report indicating that the “iOS 26.3 Beta 2” update is nearing the addition of end-to-end encryption for “RCS” messages, a long-awaited move since Apple announced its support for this standard.
The second beta version of “iOS 26.3,” currently available to developers, includes new settings related to telecom companies, allowing the activation or deactivation of full encryption for “RCS” messages. These indications were first observed within specific settings for a number of French telecom companies, suggesting that Apple is laying the technical groundwork for launching this feature globally in the coming period.
Why is encryption important? Supporting end-to-end encryption means that the content of messages, including images, files, and videos, will remain protected and inaccessible to any party, including the service provider or the company itself. This makes the “RCS” experience closer to “iMessage” in terms of privacy and security.
Compliance with “GSMA” standards: According to “GSMA” standards, encryption should be enabled for all users unless prohibited by local laws, with the ability to know the encryption status within conversations. Current indicators suggest that Apple is moving in this direction in compliance with the “Universal Profile 3.0” standard.
“RCS” messages offer advanced features such as typing indicators, message read notifications, and emoji reactions, in addition to sending higher quality photos and videos, making it a powerful means of communication between “iPhone” and “Android” users.
Expected Release Date: Apple is expected to officially release the “iOS 26.3” update to all users by the end of January, in conjunction with the release of “iPadOS 26.3,” which may pave the way for starting the full encryption of “RCS” messages on a wider scale. (اليوم السابع)
