Apple brings encrypted RCS chats to iPhone

Apple now lets you encrypt RCS conversations with Android users through the Messages app on iOS. As part of iOS 26.5, released Monday, Apple added support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta, meaning Apple and Google can’t see your messages as they’re being 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 an Android user and you’re on which carrier Supports the feature. apple He says so Encryption will be turned on by default and “will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.” Android users will also need to be using the latest version of Google Messages. apple He started a test RCS encrypted conversations with Android users earlier this year.

iOS 26.5 is also included New wallpapers Adding ads to maps. “Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or how you view the map while searching,” according to the pop-up I saw when I opened Maps with the update installed. Apple says the advertising information is “not associated with your Apple account.

In addition to iOS 26.5, Apple on Monday released iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5.