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, released Monday, Apple added support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta, meaning Apple and Google can’t see your messages while 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 using a carrier that supports this feature. Apple says encryption will be enabled by default and “will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.” Android users will also need to use the latest version of Google Messages. Apple began testing encrypted RCS chats with Android users earlier this year.

iOS 26.5 also includes new wallpapers and the addition of ads in Maps. “Maps may display local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you’re searching,” according to a pop-up I saw when I opened Maps with the update installed. Apple says that advertising information “is not linked to 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.