Apple rolls out iOS 26.5 to iPhones with encrypted RCS messaging to Android phones

Source Domain: tech.yahoo.com

After weeks of testing with developers, Apple has released the iOS 26.5 update to everyone. While this isn’t the largest update in the world (that’ll be iOS 27 later this year), it does bring a couple of handy features, especially if you text a lot with people who use Android phones. In particular, iMessage now supports end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones and Android phones.

RCS encryption is something Apple has been testing for a while, starting with iOS 26.4. However, it didn’t ship with that version and stayed in testing during iOS 26.5’s beta cycle. Now it’s here, though Apple says in its release notes that it “is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” You can check if your carrier is one of them on Apple’s support page.

Alongside encrypted messages between iPhones and Android phones, this update also adds a new “Suggested Places” section inside the Apple Maps app. It offers up suggestions on where to explore based on trending places nearby and your previous searches. There’s also a new Pride Luminance wallpaper that “dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors,” Apple says.

If you have a supported iPhone, you should be able to download and install iOS 26.5 now. Apple has also released iPadOS 26.5 and macOS 26.5, and they’re available to download as well.

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