Apple beta introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS, enhances security features

Apple has begun testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages in its latest developer beta of iOS and iPadOS. This move aims to bolster the security of communications between Apple devices, as reported by The Hacker News.

The E2EE feature, currently in beta for iOS and iPadOS 26.4, is expected to roll out to customers across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS in a future update. Apple specified that the encryption is limited to conversations between Apple devices and requires RCS Universal Profile 3.0, built on the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. This update follows the GSMA's formal announcement of E2EE support for RCS last year.

Additionally, the beta includes Memory Integrity Enforcement (MIE) for enhanced memory safety, a feature introduced last September to counter sophisticated spyware attacks. iOS 26.4 is also expected to enable Stolen Device Protection by default, adding biometric authentication and a time delay for sensitive actions when the device is not in a familiar location.

Source: The Hacker News