iOS and Android Texts to Get More Secure With Apple Update

Apple is laying the groundwork to further expand its messaging capabilities by working towards supporting RCS Universal Profile 3.0, a major step in enabling end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages exchanged between iOS and Android users.

Last year, Apple introduced RCS messaging with iOS 18, incorporating Universal Profile 2.4. This brought major changes to cross-platform messaging, such as improved image and video quality, typing indicators, read receipts, and emoji reactions. These improvements enhanced communication between iOS and Android devices, moving beyond the limitations of MMS.

However, the current implementation lacks full encryption. While RCS currently supports encryption during message transit, full end-to-end encryption is only possible with Universal Profile 3.0. That upgrade ensures only the sender and recipient can read the messages, even blocking access to Apple or Google.

Until the transition is made, RCS messages remain vulnerable once they reach endpoints like servers or carrier infrastructure. Profile 3.0 is necessary to eliminate those gaps and protect messages throughout their journey.

Once Apple adopts Universal Profile 3.0, users will gain access to several anticipated features:

* Message editing: Users can modify sent messages.

* Message recall: Sent texts can be deleted after delivery.

* In-line replies: Conversations can include threaded responses.

* Enhanced reactions: Emoji responses will integrate natively without sending extra notifications.

These updates are expected to roll out with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26. As of now, none of the initial iOS 26 Developer Betas have shown integration of Profile 3.0, and Apple has not disclosed a specific release window.

The rollout will also depend on mobile carriers implementing support for the new RCS profile.