Apple and Google have begun rolling out end-to-end encrypted messaging between iPhone and Android devices through the Rich Communication Services (RCS) standard.
The feature, currently available in beta for users running the latest software versions, marks the first time encrypted messaging will work directly between Apple and Android devices.
End-to-end encryption prevents messages from being intercepted or accessed by hackers, governments, or platform providers while in transit.
Although Apple’s iMessage has supported encryption since 2011, encrypted cross-platform messaging between iPhones and Android devices had remained unavailable until now.
The development follows years of pressure on Apple to adopt RCS, a modern messaging standard designed to replace traditional SMS texting with features such as typing indicators, read receipts, higher-quality media sharing, emoji reactions, and encryption.
Apple officially adopted RCS support in 2023 following mounting regulatory scrutiny and pressure from Google and consumer advocates.
The lack of compatibility between iMessage and Android devices had long contributed to what became known as the “green bubble stigma,” referring to the green message bubbles displayed for Android users in Apple’s messaging app.
Under the new rollout, users will see a lock icon in conversations where end-to-end encryption is enabled between Android and iPhone devices.
The update is expected to improve messaging privacy and reduce longstanding compatibility issues between the two mobile ecosystems.
