iOS 26.5 Adding Encryption to RCS Messages Exchanged Between Androids and iPhones
The beta also adds Pride Luminance wallpapers and Maps recommendations based on trending nearby places and recent searches.
- Apple released the Release Candidate for iOS 26.5 on Monday, introducing end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iPhone and Android devices.
- The company previously added RCS support with iOS 18 in 2024, but lacked E2EE at the time; testing of this security layer began at the start of this year.
- Users must verify protection by looking for a lock icon with "Encrypted" displayed next to RCS conversations in Messages, since availability depends on carrier support and gradual rollout.
- A stable iOS 26.5 release is expected for all users next week; Android users must update Google Messages to the latest version for cross-platform encryption compatibility.
- Beyond messaging, iOS 26.5 introduces a Pride Luminance wallpaper that "dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors" and a Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps recommending trending nearby locations.
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iOS 26.5 coming soon with Apple Maps Ads, RCS encryption and more privacy features: Expectations
Apple is set to unleash the new iOS 26.5 for developers, and that usually means the public release is not far behind. This update is all about tighter privacy, smoother user experience, and some fresh features sprinkled across different apps. Apple Maps gets Ads and smarter suggestions The biggest shakeup for the new iOS update is the ads, which have landed in Apple Maps. Now, you will be able to see clearly labelled ads in your search results a…
The end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android will be available soon with iOS 26.5. This feature will allow secure communication between Apple and Android devices. So, finally...
Apple Says iOS 26.5 Adds Three New Features to Your iPhone
iOS 26.5 includes three new features for iPhones, according to Apple's release notes for the update, which is expected to be released next week. As discovered during beta testing, iOS 26.5 enables end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iOS and Android devices. Apple says this security upgrade is limited to supported carriers around the world and will continue to roll out.
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