Google and Apple join hand to give end-to-end encryption for RCS chats

Na wa o! Di big two for mobile world, Google and Apple, don finally come together to bring end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between Android and iPhone users. Dis one na big step for security of our chats.

According to di news wey drop on May 11, 2026, Google and Apple don lead cross-industry effort to put end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services, wey be di upgrade from traditional SMS. Now, when you send message from Android to iPhone or vice versa, nobody fit read am for middle.

Google Messages don get end-to-end encryption for Android-to-Android for years, but dem know say dem no fit stop dere. Di new system go make all cross-platform RCS messages secure by default. Android users wey get latest version of Google Messages go see lock icon wey show say di conversation dey encrypted.

Apple also join di party. Di company start testing end-to-end RCS encryption for late February, and now di feature dey available for beta. iPhone users wey dey compatible carriers go see di messages labeled as encrypted. Dis one na big change from di old days wen Tim Cook, di outgoing CEO, tell person for 2022 Code Conference say make dem buy dia mama iPhone instead of waiting for better texting integration.

But tings don change. For 2023, Apple announce say dem go support RCS di following year, and iOS 18 add support for di new standard. Now, with iOS 26.5, Apple dey make di conversations more secure with proper end-to-end encryption. Di update also bring improvements to Apple Maps and App Store.

Apple Maps go get Suggested Places wey dey recommend based on wetin dey happen nearby and di user recent searches. But Google Maps still dey ahead with Gemini integration wey fit suggest places, create special routes, and improve car navigation. Apple still get catching up to do.

For App Store, Apple go introduce new way for developers to offer subscriptions with monthly billing plan wey get 12-month commitment. Dis one go make subscriptions more affordable for users, but you go commit to pay for 12 months or pay off all at once if you cancel.

Apple also announce new Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse wey fit connect to iPhone or iPad via USB-C and remain connected wirelessly. Plus, new customizable wallpapers for 2026 Pride Collection.

For Europe, Apple dey comply with Digital Markets Act by allowing third-party smartwatches to receive notifications and interact like Apple Watch. AirPods-like pairing go come to third-party smartwatches and headphones. For Brazil, Apple go allow third-party marketplaces on iPhone after local watchdog decision.

Dis whole movement show say governments dey challenge Apple stranglehold on mobile software market. And di collaboration between Google and Apple for RCS encryption show say dem fit work together for better security of users.