Overview
Big news for iPhone-Android group chats! Someone digging through iOS 26.3 Beta 2 found carrier settings that could finally bring end-to-end encryption (E2EE) to RCS messaging. Right now RCS gives you fancy features like typing indicators and HD photos, but carriers can still peek at your messages. E2EE changes that – only you and the recipient can read them.
The Leak Details
X user Tiino-X83 spotted new settings for four French carriers: Bouygues, Orange, SFR, and Free. These let networks flip E2EE on/off for RCS chats. No US or global carriers mentioned yet, but this screams “feature incoming.”
Public iOS 26.3 lands end of January (iOS 26.2 hit December 12). Apple promised RCS E2EE last March with GSMA’s Universal Profile 3.0 – looks like they’re finally delivering.
Why This Rocks
Privacy: Messages, photos, files stay encrypted
Status visible: You’ll know when chats are secure
Cross-platform: Android group texts match iMessage security
No compromises: Keep reactions, read receipts, HD media
Quick Reality Check
French carrier focus makes sense – EU privacy laws push this faster. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile will likely follow once Apple gives the green light. GSMA rules say E2EE must work unless local laws block it.
RCS Today vs RCS Tomorrow
| Feature | Current RCS | RCS + E2EE |
|---|---|---|
| Typing Indicators | ✅ | ✅ |
| HD Photos/Videos | ✅ | ✅ |
| End-to-End Encryption | ❌ | ✅ |
| Cross-Platform | iPhone ↔ Android | iPhone ↔ Android |
| Privacy Status | None | Visible |
What It Means For You
No more “RCS is just fancy SMS” shade. Your group chat with Android friends finally gets iMessage-grade security. Perfect timing too – iOS 26.3 lands right before MWC 2026 hype.
Timeline Guess
Now: iOS 26.3 Beta 2 (devs only)
Jan 2026: Public iOS 26.3
Feb/Mar 2026: Carrier rollout
iOS 26.4+: Full global E2EE
