Apple has released a new developer beta update for iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, introducing support for end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) RCS messaging. This update marks an important step toward improving privacy and security for modern text messaging on Apple devices.
The new feature is currently available only in the developer beta version, but Apple has confirmed that it plans to roll it out to regular users in a future software update. The encrypted RCS messaging support is expected to arrive across multiple Apple platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.
End-to-end encryption means that only the sender and the receiver can read the messages. No one else—not Apple, not mobile carriers, and not hackers—can access the content while it is being sent.
According to Apple’s release notes, encrypted RCS conversations are clearly labeled, making it easy for users to know when their messages are protected. Apple also noted that this feature is still in beta and not available on all devices or with all carriers yet.
This move strengthens Apple’s commitment to user privacy and aligns RCS messaging more closely with the security standards users already expect from iMessage.
While the update is an important milestone, Apple has confirmed that RCS end-to-end encryption currently works only between Apple devices. Messages sent between an Apple device and other platforms—such as Android—do not yet support this level of encryption.
This limitation means that encrypted RCS messaging will initially feel similar to iMessage in terms of privacy but won’t yet deliver universal encrypted messaging across platforms.
Apple’s test comes almost one year after the GSM Association (GSMA) officially announced support for end-to-end encryption within the RCS standard. To enable this feature, Apple must update its messaging system to RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which is built using the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol.
MLS is designed specifically for secure group and one-to-one messaging, offering modern encryption without slowing down performance. By adopting this standard, Apple is bringing RCS closer to the security level users already expect from premium messaging apps.
Beyond messaging, iOS 26.4 introduces a major upgrade in system security through Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE). This feature allows apps to opt into full memory protection, rather than the limited “Soft Mode” that was previously available.
Apple originally introduced MIE as a defense against advanced mercenary spyware attacks, which often target memory vulnerabilities to gain access to devices. With MIE enabled, Apple provides always-on memory safety protection across critical system components, including the kernel and more than 70 user-level processes.
Importantly, Apple says these protections do not reduce device performance, making them suitable for everyday use without affecting battery life or speed.
Another major security change expected in iOS 26.4 is the automatic activation of Stolen Device Protection for all users. According to a report from MacRumors, Apple plans to enable this feature by default.
Stolen Device Protection adds an extra security layer when an iPhone is away from familiar locations like home or work. In these situations, users must authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID to perform sensitive actions such as:
Viewing saved passwords
Accessing credit card information
Changing Apple Account settings
In addition, Apple has added a one-hour security delay for Apple Account password changes. This delay gives users time to mark their device as lost if it gets stolen, reducing the risk of account takeover.
With iOS 26.4, Apple is clearly focused on strengthening privacy, messaging security, and device protection. End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging brings Apple one step closer to a more secure, modern messaging experience, while Memory Integrity Enforcement and Stolen Device Protection add powerful safeguards against real-world threats.
Although encrypted RCS messaging is still limited in scope and availability, its inclusion in the developer beta signals that Apple is preparing for a broader rollout. As these features mature and expand to more carriers and devices, users can expect stronger protection without sacrificing ease of use.
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