Apple OS 26.5 updates add encrypted RCS messaging
▼ Summary
– Apple released version 26.5 of all its operating systems with new features and security patches.
– The update introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, giving green-bubble chats iMessage-like security.
– Encrypted RCS is labeled as beta and currently limited to select carriers, with broader support coming later.
– Other additions include Pride-themed wallpapers and initial work to support ads in Apple Maps.
– The update does not include features for EU third-party wearable compliance, which are still in testing.
Apple has officially rolled out version 26.5 across its entire ecosystem, including iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and the HomePod software. While none of these updates are groundbreaking, they introduce a handful of new features alongside a comprehensive list of security patches detailed on Apple’s vulnerabilities page.
The most notable addition is end-to-end encryption for the RCS messaging standard, a first for Apple. When activated, this feature gives green-bubble messages some of the same privacy and security protections that iMessage users have relied on for years. However, encrypted RCS messages are currently labeled as a beta feature and are limited to a subset of supported cellular carriers. Apple has confirmed that expanded carrier support will roll out over time. In the Messages app, encrypted chats will display a padlock icon; if you don’t see one, the message isn’t encrypted, even if you’re using RCS.
Beyond messaging, the 26.5 updates introduce new Pride-themed wallpapers and lay the groundwork for ads in the Apple Maps app. There are also a handful of platform-specific improvements and bug fixes, which you can find on Apple’s release notes pages for each OS. Notably, Apple has been testing changes to third-party wearable support in the EU to comply with local regulations, but those features have not yet been included in the public versions of these iOS updates.
(Source: Ars Technica)
