iOS 26.5 to Bring End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging: What iPhone and Android Users Need to Know

Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is just one month away, but the company is preparing to release a significant software update before then. iOS 26.5 will introduce a major privacy enhancement that benefits both iPhone and Android users alike.

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming update, including its release timeline and new features.

iOS 26.5 Brings End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging to iPhones

For years, text messages sent between iPhones and Android devices lacked end-to-end encryption, relying instead on standard SMS—a protocol that also omitted modern features like read receipts and typing indicators. While Apple introduced Rich Communication Service (RCS) support in iOS 18 to address these gaps, the implementation did not initially include encryption.

With iOS 26.5, Apple is finally closing this security gap. When enabled, RCS messages sent between iPhones and Android devices on supported carriers will now be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that only the sender and receiver can read them. Even Apple and the user’s cellular provider will not have access to the content.

Which iPhones and Carriers Support Encrypted RCS?

According to the iOS 26.5 beta release notes, the new end-to-end encrypted RCS feature will be available in beta and will roll out gradually to supported carriers. Apple has provided a support document listing compatible carriers.

To use the feature, users must have an iPhone capable of running iOS 26.5, which includes:

• iPhone 11 series or later
• iPhone XS, XR, and later models

Android users must also ensure their device’s software and carrier support end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging.

When Will iOS 26.5 Be Released?

Apple has been testing iOS 26.5 for several weeks and recently released the final candidate version, indicating that a public launch is imminent. While an exact date has not been confirmed, the update could arrive as early as this week, with a high likelihood of release next week—possibly on Monday or Tuesday.

iPhone users can install iOS 26.5 by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update.

Additional Features in iOS 26.5

Beyond encrypted RCS messaging, iOS 26.5 includes several other enhancements:

• New “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps, which recommends businesses and locations based on user interests.
• Additional Pride wallpapers and other visual updates.