Apple is making cross-platform messaging more private with the release of iOS 26.5.
The update adds beta support for end-to-end encrypted RCS conversations between iPhone and Android users through the Messages app, giving users a more secure way to chat across devices.
With the new feature, Apple and Google will not be able to read messages while they are being sent. When an encrypted RCS chat is active, iPhone users will see a lock icon along with a small “Encrypted” label at the top of the conversation. The feature will work when the Android user is on the latest version of Google Messages and the carrier supports encrypted RCS.
Apple says encrypted RCS will be turned on by default and will gradually become available for both new and existing RCS conversations over time. The company started testing encrypted RCS messaging with Android users earlier this year, and iOS 26.5 now brings that support to more users in beta.
The update also brings a few other changes, including new wallpapers and the arrival of ads in Apple Maps. After installing iOS 26.5, users may see a pop-up explaining that Maps can show local ads based on approximate location, current search terms, or the area being viewed on the map. Apple says this advertising information is not connected to a user’s Apple account.
Alongside iOS 26.5, Apple also released iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5.
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