Apple Expands Encryption, Testing Secure RCS in Latest Beta

Apple has begun testing a significant security upgrade for its messaging platform. The latest developer beta for iOS and iPadOS 26.4 introduces end-to-end encryption for messages sent via the Rich Communications Services (RCS) standard. This move, confirmed in Apple's release notes, marks a step toward broader encryption for cross-platform messaging, though the current beta limits the feature to conversations between Apple devices.

The development follows an industry-wide push for more secure messaging protocols. To fully implement this encryption, Apple will need to adopt the newer RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which is based on the Messaging Layer Security protocol. The company cautions that the encryption is still in testing and not yet universally available across all carriers or devices.

Separately, the beta introduces a more robust security setting called Memory Integrity Enforcement. This feature, initially outlined last year, provides always-on memory protection for core system processes, designed to defend against sophisticated spyware without slowing down the device. Applications can now opt into this full protection, moving beyond a previous 'Soft Mode.'

Further security enhancements are reportedly on the way. According to industry observers, a future public release is expected to activate Stolen Device Protection by default for all iPhones. This system requires biometric verification for sensitive actions when a phone is away from trusted locations and imposes a security delay on account password changes, giving users a critical window to report a stolen device.

Source: The Hackers News