In March, Apple announced plans to include support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in future software updates for its Messages app across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. However, as of the latest third developer beta of iOS 26 released recently, this upgrade is still not available on iPhones. The announcement of end-to-end encryption for RCS was part of version 3.0 of the RCS Universal Profile, a global standard for RCS features and specifications.
By committing to support RCS Universal Profile 3.0, Apple is leveraging numerous enhancements akin to those found in iMessage, which were originally part of the earlier RCS Universal Profile 2.7. One factor contributing to the delay in implementing these features is the necessity for mobile carriers to adopt RCS Universal Profile 3.0 as well. Here are five capabilities that users can anticipate for RCS conversations on iPhones, iPads, and Macs once the support is fully rolled out:
1.
End-to-end encryption, ensuring that both Apple and third parties cannot access messages and attachments during transmission, similar to iMessage. 2. In-line replies for more conversational threading.
3. The ability to edit previously sent messages. 4.
A function to unsend messages. 5. Comprehensive Tapback support for RCS messages without needing special workarounds.
In many respects, RCS will be playing catch-up with iMessage, which has supported end-to-end encryption since iOS 5. Additionally, in-line replies were introduced in iOS 14, while the edits and unsend functionalities debuted with iOS 16. It is anticipated that Apple will roll out these RCS enhancements during the software cycle for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, and watchOS 26.
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