Apple rolls out encrypted RCS messaging in beta within iOS 26.5 update

Apple has introduced end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iOS users as part of the iOS 26.5 update, marking a significant shift in cross-platform communication security. The feature allows iPhone users to conduct encrypted conversations with Android users directly through the Messages app. When an active encrypted conversation is detected, the interface displays a lock icon and an "Encrypted" label at the top of the chat window to confirm the status.

Encryption is enabled by default for supported conversations and will automatically roll out over time for both new and existing RCS chats. This development follows earlier testing conducted by Apple earlier this year, which aimed to bridge the security gap previously existing in non-iMessage RCS chats. Prior to this update, those cross-platform messages lacked end-to-end encryption, allowing visibility into message content by Apple and Google.

To participate in the new secure messaging standard, Android users must be running the latest version of the Google Messages app. Major US carriers, including Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, have confirmed their support for the RCS protocol required for this implementation. However, the feature is currently available only in beta mode, meaning its availability depends heavily on specific device compatibility and broader carrier support beyond the major US providers mentioned.

The iOS 26.5 release coincides with simultaneous updates for iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5. This broad ecosystem update also introduces new wallpapers and a notable change to the Maps application. The Maps update includes the capability to display local advertisements based on approximate location, current search terms, or the user's view of the map.

Regarding the new advertising functionality in Maps, Apple states that the advertising information is not linked to the user's Apple ID. This distinction separates the ad data from the core identity profile used for other Apple services. The inclusion of these ads represents a shift in how location-based data is utilised within the Maps application, though the specific impact on user privacy beyond the stated disconnection from the Apple ID remains unverified in the provided sources.

This update follows the launch of iOS 26 last year, which introduced a "Liquid Glass" aesthetic that received mixed reactions from users. While Apple continues to iterate on its software design, the focus of iOS 26.5 remains on modernising the backend for non-iMessages to enable richer features like higher-resolution images and read receipts, now secured with encryption where supported.