Apple tests encrypted RCS in beta

Apple’s iOS 26.5 beta is again testing end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services, or RCS, messaging between iPhones and Android phones in the Messages app. (9to5mac.com) (macrumors.com) RCS is the newer texting standard meant to replace plain SMS and MMS with typing indicators, read receipts, better media sharing and group chats. End-to-end encryption means the message is scrambled so only the sender and recipient can read it. (macrumors.com) Apple’s developer documentation for iOS 26.5 beta adds a `supportsEndToEndEncryption` property for RCS services, a sign the company is wiring encrypted RCS into system frameworks. (apple.com) Apple first surfaced encrypted RCS in the iOS 26.4 beta, then pulled it before the public iOS 26.4 release. The same capability reappeared in iOS 26.5 beta 1 on March 30, 2026. (macrumors.com) (9to5mac.com) That matters because Apple said in March 2025 that it would support a newer RCS specification with end-to-end encryption in future software updates across iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS. iOS 26.5 is the clearest sign yet that the iPhone part of that rollout is still active. (macrumors.com) (9to5mac.com) The same beta cycle also adds a new App Store billing option: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. Apple’s iOS 26.5 beta 4 release notes say developers can read pricing information for that plan type through a new `PricingTerms` model. (apple.com) (macrumors.com) Apple said developers can set up and test those plans now, with public rollout planned next month. The structure lets apps charge users monthly while locking in a one-year term, combining lower upfront cost with annual-style commitment. (9to5mac.com) (macrumors.com) Apple has not said in the release notes that encrypted RCS will definitely ship in the final iOS 26.5 release. For now, the beta shows Apple is still testing the feature after missing the iOS 26.4 window. (apple.com) (cnet.com)