TL;DR
Apple has pushed iOS 26.3 public beta 2 to testers, matching the developer build released a day earlier. The most notable discovery is a new code string referencing carrier support for end-to-end encryption in RCS messaging; other features from beta 1 remain present.
What happened
Apple resumed its public beta cadence with iOS 26.3 public beta 2, arriving roughly a month after the first public beta and one day after the corresponding developer release. The public beta uses the same software build distributed to developers. After initial testing, contributors noticed a new code reference in Messages — the string 'SupportsE2EE' — which indicates carrier-side support flags for end-to-end encryption in RCS messaging. This change appears to lay groundwork for RCS E2EE integration on iPhone, aligning with Apple’s prior pledge to support end-to-end encryption for RCS in a future update. The report stresses that the presence of the code string does not guarantee that full RCS E2EE will ship in iOS 26.3. Features carried over from beta 1 include an iPhone-to-Android transfer option, updates to the wallpaper gallery, and a notification forwarding feature for EU users.
Why it matters
- The 'SupportsE2EE' code suggests Apple is actively preparing Messages to interoperate with RCS while preserving end-to-end encryption, a potential change to cross-platform messaging.
- Carrier involvement will be relevant — the new flag references carriers’ support for encryption, implying coordination beyond Apple’s software.
- Public beta availability indicates Apple is testing these changes more broadly beyond developers, which could foreshadow a public release.
- Other user-facing updates (device transfer, wallpapers, EU notification forwarding) continue to refine iOS 26.3’s feature set ahead of a final release.
Key facts
- iOS 26.3 public beta 2 is available to public beta testers and matches the developer beta released one day earlier.
- This update follows roughly a month after the first iOS 26.3 public beta; Apple paused new public betas over the holidays.
- A user on X (Tiino-X83) identified a new code string, 'SupportsE2EE', in beta 2 related to Messages and RCS.
- The 'SupportsE2EE' reference points to carrier support flags for end-to-end encryption in RCS messaging.
- Apple has previously stated it would support end-to-end encryption for RCS in a future software update.
- Presence of the new code string is described as groundwork and does not confirm that iOS 26.3 will ship full RCS E2EE.
- Features present in the earlier beta 1 and still noted include an option to transfer from iPhone to Android, wallpaper gallery updates, and an EU notification forwarding feature.
- Public testers and developers are encouraged to report any additional findings from beta 2.
What to watch next
- Whether the final iOS 26.3 release actually enables RCS end-to-end encryption: not confirmed in the source.
- Which carriers, if any, will declare support for RCS E2EE and the timeline for that support: not confirmed in the source.
- Further discoveries or additional feature changes in beta 2 beyond the 'SupportsE2EE' reference: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- RCS: Rich Communication Services — a messaging protocol intended to replace SMS/MMS that supports features like read receipts, typing indicators, and richer media.
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE): A security model in which only the communicating end devices can read message contents; intermediaries such as servers or carriers cannot decrypt the messages.
- Public beta: A pre-release software build made available to a broader set of users for testing and feedback before a stable public release.
- Messages app: Apple’s built-in messaging application on iPhone that handles iMessage and traditional carrier-based messaging.
Reader FAQ
Is iOS 26.3 public release date announced?
Not confirmed in the source.
Does iOS 26.3 beta 2 enable full RCS end-to-end encryption?
Beta 2 includes a 'SupportsE2EE' code reference that suggests groundwork for RCS E2EE, but full support in iOS 26.3 is not confirmed in the source.
Is the public beta 2 build different from the developer beta?
No — the public beta 2 is the same software build that was released to developers one day earlier.
What other changes are in iOS 26.3 so far?
Previously noted items in beta 1 include an option to transfer from iPhone to Android, wallpaper gallery updates, and a notification forwarding feature for EU users.
Apple debuts ‘Apple Creator Studio’ subscription, here’s what you get Chance Miller Jan 13 2026 AD IOS 26 IOS 26.3 iOS 26.3 public beta 2 now available, here’s what’s new…
Sources
- iOS 26.3 public beta 2 now available, here’s what’s new
- Latest iOS 26.3 Beta suggests end-to-end encryption for …
- Here's What's New in iOS 26.3 So Far
- Stop Texting On Your iPhone—What Now After FBI Warning?
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