iOS 26.5 Is Here With End-to-End Encrypted RCS. Here’s What Else You Get

Source Domain: www.pcmag.com

UPDATE 5/11: Apple today released its latest iOS updates—iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, among others—which bring with them end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhones and Android devices.

The option launches in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers. In the US, that includes AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, as well as Boost Mobile, C Spire, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, Metro by T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, US Cellular, and more. Android users will have access via the latest version of Google Messages.

“When RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted, they can’t be read while they’re sent between devices,” Apple says. “Users will know that a conversation is end-to-end encrypted when they see a new lock icon in their RCS chats. Encryption is on by default and will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.”

Also in iOS 26.5 are improvements to Liquid Glass. A “Reduce Motion setting more reliably reduces the animations of Liquid Glass for users sensitive to on-screen motion,” Apple says. Meanwhile, a “Reduce bright effects” setting will minimize bright flashes when tapping on things, while subtitle and caption settings will be available from the captions icon while something is playing.

Plus, Apple says the update offers “improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly,” after people complained about frequent typing mistakes.

Other Changes in iOS 26.5

8 new emoji, including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face.
Freeform gains advanced image creation and editing tools, and a premium content library, joining Apple Creator Studio.
Mark reminders as urgent from the Quick Toolbar or by touching and holding, and filter for urgent reminders in your Smart Lists.
Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer.
Playlist Playground (beta) generates a playlist from your description,…

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