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Apple Releases iOS 26.5 With Encrypted RCS Messaging and Security Fixes
Apple rolled out iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 on May 11, introducing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android devices in beta. The update also adds a Pride-themed wallpaper, new emojis, Apple Music tools and more than 60 security patches. It arrives shortly before the expected preview of iOS 27 at WWDC on June 8.
May 12, 1:00 PM·2m read4 sources
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Apple released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 on May 11, bringing end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services messaging between iPhones and Android devices for the first time. The feature, developed with Google, is rolling out in beta and requires supported carriers along with the latest version of Google Messages on Android.
Users will see a lock icon in RCS chats when encryption is active, and it is enabled by default. Apple said users will know a conversation is encrypted when a lock icon appears in RCS chats. The company added that encrypted messaging will gradually become available for both new and existing RCS conversations over time.
Supported U.S. carriers include AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon as well as Boost Mobile, Cricket, Mint Mobile, Metro by T-Mobile and several others. Apple noted that iMessage conversations between Apple devices have long included end-to-end encryption. The update also expands the Liquid Glass interface with new accessibility-focused settings.
A revised Reduce Motion option more reliably minimizes animations, while a new Reduce Bright Effects setting cuts flashes from interface interactions.
Subtitle and caption controls are now easier to access while watching content. The update improves keyboard accuracy for fast typists after user complaints about typing mistakes. iOS 26.5 adds a downloadable Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically reflects a spectrum of colors across the display.
The update includes eight new emojis, among them an orca, trombone, ballet dancer, landslide and distorted face. Several new Apple Music features arrived as well. Playlist Playground, in beta, generates playlists from written descriptions with suggested titles and tracklists.
A new Concerts feature recommends nearby live shows from artists in a user’s music library. Offline Music Recognition can identify songs without an internet connection and deliver results later. Apple also added an Ambient Music widget with curated playlists for sleep, productivity, chill and wellness.
