With the release of iOS 18, Apple introduced RCS messaging in its Messages app, but it notably lacked support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE). Excitingly, this could soon change, as potential support for E2EE RCS may arrive with iOS 26.3.
Recently, Apple rolled out the second public beta for iOS 26.3, following the previous release of iOS 26.2, which brought additional customization options for your iPhone’s Liquid Glass design. It’s important to remember that since this is still a beta version, it’s advisable to install it on a secondary device, as it may be prone to bugs and short battery life.
End-to-end Encrypted RCS Messaging Support
According to reports from AppleInsider, the latest beta for iOS 26.3 might finally introduce support for E2EE RCS in Messages. A developer known as Tiino-X83 shared a screenshot revealing specific code related to carrier bundles, including a key titled “SupportsE2EE.” While this doesn’t guarantee an official rollout, it indicates that Apple may be testing the feature.
Interestingly, the E2EE capability appears in bundles associated with French carriers, suggesting this may initially launch as a region-specific feature before potentially reaching a broader audience. If iOS 26.3 does incorporate this functionality, activation will depend on the carriers enabling the messaging protocol on their networks.
Data Transfer from iPhone to Android
Another noteworthy addition in the iOS 26.3 beta is an enhanced option for transferring data from your iPhone to an Android device. Traditionally, switching from iPhone to Android involved several cumbersome steps, such as disabling FaceTime and physical cable connections.
The new update simplifies this process significantly. Now, you can head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone and tap on Transfer to Android. From there, follow the on-screen prompts to move your photos, messages, and apps to your new Android device seamlessly.
However, the second iOS 26.3 beta also saw the removal of an intriguing feature that allowed notification forwarding to other devices, including non-Apple smartwatches. Initially, this feature let notifications be sent to one accessory at a time, but its removal in the latest beta could indicate that Apple is refining or reconsidering its implementation.
These features provide a glimpse into what developers and public beta testers can explore right now, with more iterations of iOS 26.3 expected before the public launch. Apple hasn’t disclosed a release date for the general public yet, so keep an eye out for further updates and refinements.
For the latest updates on iOS 26.2, including insights on new features from iOS 26.1, or to see my reviews on iOS 26, stay informed and engaged with the evolving Apple ecosystem.