iOS 26 Beta 3: Apple Adds RCS Support, But Encryption Still Missing

Apple has finally begun integrating support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) into its messaging system, yet it still falls short of offering full end-to-end encryption on the iPhone. Although the company pledged in March to introduce such protection to the Messages app, even in the current beta of iOS 26, RCS messages remain unencrypted—meaning that the data could be vulnerable during transmission between sender and recipient. Apple has now released the third developer beta of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26, which are already available for download on compatible devices via system settings.

Encryption support for RCS is part of the Universal Profile 3.0 specification announced in March—a global messaging standard intended to replace traditional SMS. With this move, Apple has effectively signaled its intent to adopt the newer standard, though for now it continues to support only the older version 2.4. In addition to encryption, the updated profile introduces a suite of features already familiar to iMessage users, such as message editing, unsending, in-line replies, and native reactions without workarounds.

For months, Google mocked Apple’s reluctance to adopt RCS. Ultimately, Apple conceded, recognizing that seamless communication with Android users would enhance the user experience. However, this shift also undermines the long-standing exclusivity of iMessage—a key factor in retaining users within the Apple ecosystem. Despite this step toward openness, many signature iMessage features will remain exclusive, and Apple appears poised to continue enhancing them.

Currently, RCS on iOS operates under version 2.4, but full support for the latest 3.0 specification may arrive in subsequent beta releases or the final version of iOS 26. There is still hope. Security experts have previously highlighted various vulnerabilities in iOS and concerns with iMessage’s safeguards, underscoring the critical importance of implementing robust encryption to protect user data.