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Apple Releases iOS 26.5: New Update Adds Long-Awaited Encrypted RCS Messaging For iPhone
Apple’s first encrypted RCS release is in beta and depends on device and carrier support, bringing green-bubble chats closer to iMessage security.
- On Monday, Apple released iOS 26.5 to all compatible iPhones, introducing end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging after six weeks of beta testing.
- Previously, RCS chats lacked encryption options, leaving conversations with Android devices less secure than internal iMessage threads between iPhones.
- Apple labels the capability as "Beta," with availability limited to a subset of supported cellular carriers; users can confirm encryption via a lock icon.
- The feature will roll out gradually over the coming months, though encryption is enabled by default where available via the Settings and Messages apps.
- New features include Pride-themed wallpapers and "Suggested Places" recommendations within Apple Maps, while Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 at WWDC later this year.
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Apple brings encrypted RCS chats to iPhone
Apple now lets you have encrypted RCS conversations with Android users through the Messages app on iOS. As part of iOS 26.5, which was released on Monday, Apple added support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta, meaning that Apple and Google can't see your messages while they're sent. With iOS 26.5, you'll see a lock icon and a small "Encrypted" message at the top of the chat to note when you're having an encrypted conversation with a…
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left6Leaning Right1Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 42%
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