Apple’s Advanced RCS Features Remain Absent in iOS 26.1 Beta, Full Implementation Delayed
Apple’s highly anticipated RCS protocol upgrades, including end-to-end encryption and advanced messaging features, have not yet appeared in iOS 26.1 beta testing. The company had previously committed to bringing RCS version 3.0 support to iPhones, but the timeline for full implementation remains unclear despite earlier expectations.
RCS Upgrade Timeline Extends Beyond Initial Expectations
Apple’s promised enhancements to the Rich Communication Services protocol remain notably absent from current iOS beta versions, according to reports from industry observers. The company had confirmed earlier this year that it would support end-to-end encryption with RCS in a future software update, with initial indications pointing toward the iOS 26 release cycle.