TL;DR
Code in iOS 26.3 beta 2 references a carrier bundle option that could let carriers enable or disable end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. The discovery, flagged on X, and GSMA requirements for E2EE suggest Apple may be preparing to roll the feature out, though a final release is not guaranteed.
What happened
Apple first said last March it would support end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS after the GSM Association standardized the capability. In the latest developer beta — iOS 26.3 beta 2 — researchers found references to a new carrier bundle setting that appears to allow carriers to enable or disable E2EE for RCS messaging. The discovery was reported on X by user Tiino-X83, who also observed that the specific line of code appeared only in bundles for France’s four main operators (Bouygues, Orange, SFR and Free) and not in carrier bundles he checked for other countries. The GSMA specification cited in the beta requires RCS clients to enable E2EE by default unless local law prohibits it, and it also mandates that users be informed if E2EE is disabled and be able to see the encryption status. Apple could be preparing infrastructure for a future iOS release, so the presence of the code does not guarantee the feature ships with iOS 26.3.
Why it matters
- E2EE for RCS would strengthen message privacy for rich-text SMS replacements if broadly implemented.
- A carrier-level toggle means regional regulations and operator choices could limit or delay E2EE availability.
- GSMA rules require default enablement and visible encryption status, which would standardize user-facing transparency.
- The early presence of carrier-facing code suggests Apple is moving from planning toward implementation, though timing remains uncertain.
Key facts
- Apple announced plans to support E2EE for RCS messages in March (year not restated in this source).
- iOS 26.3 beta 2 contains references to a new carrier bundle setting that could enable or disable RCS E2EE.
- The carrier bundle entry was spotted on X by user Tiino-X83.
- Tiino-X83 reported that only four French operators (Bouygues, Orange, SFR and Free) contained the new line of code.
- The GSMA specification requires RCS clients to enable E2EE by default unless local regulations explicitly prohibit it (R5-43-1).
- The GSMA rules state providers must enable or disable E2EE for all users in a market, not for subsets or individuals (R5-43-1-1 and R5-43-1-2).
- If E2EE is disabled in a market, the user must be informed that E2EE is unavailable (R5-43-1-3).
- The GSMA requires that all user-initiated content be end-to-end encrypted, excluding "Is Typing" notifications (R5-43-2).
- When E2EE is active the GSMA standard requires the user be able to see the encryption status.
- Presence of the code in the beta suggests progress but does not guarantee the feature will ship with iOS 26.3.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple enables RCS E2EE in the public iOS 26.3 release — not confirmed in the source.
- If carrier bundles outside France will gain the same E2EE toggle, indicating wider rollout — not confirmed in the source.
- How regional regulators respond where local law might prohibit default E2EE enablement — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- RCS: Rich Communication Services, a carrier-led messaging standard intended as a successor to SMS with features like read receipts, typing indicators and rich media.
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE): A method of encrypting data so that only the communicating users can read the content; intermediaries such as service providers cannot decrypt messages.
- Carrier bundle: Configuration packages delivered by mobile operators to devices that can include settings, features and operator-specific options.
- GSMA: The trade body representing mobile network operators and related companies that publishes standards and guidelines for mobile networks and services.
Reader FAQ
Will iOS 26.3 ship with RCS end-to-end encryption enabled?
Not confirmed in the source.
Which carriers were found to include the new carrier bundle entry?
The source reports that Bouygues, Orange, SFR and Free in France contained the line of code spotted by the researcher on X.
Does the GSMA require E2EE for RCS?
According to the GSMA rules cited, RCS clients should enable E2EE by default unless local regulations prohibit it, and providers must enable or disable it for all users in a market.
Will users be able to see when E2EE is active?
The GSMA specification requires that the user be able to view the encryption status when E2EE is active.
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Sources
- iOS 26.3 beta 2 hints at upcoming end-to-end encryption for RCS messages
- RCS Encryption iOS/Android: Current State & Future
- Apple RCS Messages Encrypted Between iOS and Android
- Android, iPhone Messages Get End-to-End Encryption Soon
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