Apple and Google just put a lock on your green-bubble texts, and it’s about time

Apple and Google, with the GSM Association, are rolling out end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between iPhone and Android users.

The feature is starting in beta on iOS 26.5 and the latest Google Messages app.

It only works when both carriers support it, so availability will vary by network.

The update brings stronger default privacy to cross-platform texting and reduces reliance on SMS.