Apple releases iOS 26.5 to all users after a six‑week beta cycle. The update brings fresh wallpapers, new Apple Maps features, and, most importantly, Apple’s first end‑to‑end encryption for RCS messaging. The tweak sits under Settings > Messages, toggled by a new end‑to‑end encryption (Beta) switch. Users can enable it instantly, and the system will automatically lock new and existing conversations before the rollout completes globally.

RCS support debuted in iOS 18.1, letting iPhone and Android users exchange richer messages with typing indicators and high‑resolution media. Last March, Apple pledged to add privacy to the protocol, starting beta testing in iOS 26.4. Now, as iOS 26.5 ships, the feature is enabled by default and will spread to carriers gradually, ensuring secure conversations across the global messaging ecosystem today.

Apple has updated the Messages UI to display a lock icon at the top of threads when encryption is active. Android users see the same symbol, confirming carrier support. The lock also appears on all iMessage chats, which have encrypted messages since 2011. Users can download the update via Settings > General > Software Update today, ensuring that protected conversations remain safe from eavesdroppers.