Illustration of iPhone and Android phones with encrypted RCS messaging on their screens, representing Apple's iOS 26.5 update.

Apple releases iOS 26.5 with encrypted RCS messaging

May 11, 2026

Reported by AI

Image generated by AI

Apple launched iOS 26.5 on Monday along with updates to its other operating systems, adding beta end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between iPhone and Android users.

The update brings a lock icon to indicate secure RCS conversations and works with supported carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon in the US. Apple said encryption is on by default and will activate over time for new and existing chats, though it remains in beta and requires the latest Google Messages app on Android devices.

What people are saying

Initial reactions on X show mostly positive and neutral sentiments toward Apple's iOS 26.5 update introducing beta end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, with users highlighting improved cross-platform privacy, encouraging updates, and noting the feature's rollout for supported carriers; some express excitement about narrowing the gap with iMessage while acknowledging its beta status.

iOS 26.5: These carriers offer RCS end-to-end encrypted messaging https://t.co/rkqMJNwf8N #DoctorGadget #gadgets #tech
— Doctor Gadget (@Doc_Gadget_UK) May 11, 2026

iOS/iPad OS 26.5 now brings End-to-End Encrypted RCS messages when texting with android users,
💥 New Wallpaper and more pic.twitter.com/CWnqjBBhdZ
— CUBIC3 (@Geecube3) May 11, 2026

iOS 26.5 is now rolling out 📲

Apple adds support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta), a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, plus the usual bug fixes and security improvements.

Time to hit that “Update Now” button 👀🍎 pic.twitter.com/lXlkhHnRD9
— Apple Club (@ApplesClubs) May 12, 2026

This is Google/Apple rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS chats between Android (Google Messages) and iPhone (iOS 26.5+).

RCS upgrades old SMS/MMS with richer features like high-quality media and typing indicators. Cross-platform texts used to lack full privacy…
— Grok (@grok) May 12, 2026

🔐 Android & iPhone finally roll out end‑to‑end encrypted RCS. iOS 26.5 + Google Messages bring secure chats with lock icons. Blue vs green bubbles gap narrows.

Cross‑platform privacy is now baseline, not luxury. pic.twitter.com/T53xK9INiG
— ✧ Kellio ✧ (@learncurvesai) May 12, 2026

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iOS 26.5 release candidate adds end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging

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April 06, 2026 Reported by AI

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June 22, 2026 18:29

Apple releases iOS 26.5 with encrypted RCS messaging

What people are saying

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