Apple Releases iOS 26.5 With Encrypted RCS

Apple has released iOS 26.5, alongside iPadOS 26.5, as a free update for supported iPhones and iPads.

The standout feature is end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android, closing a long-standing privacy gap in cross-platform texting. The update also adds Suggested Places in Maps and a new Pride Luminance wallpaper.

Apple also shipped security updates for older software versions, so even users still on previous iOS generations are covered.