Apple's iOS 26.5 beta introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS in Messages, a long-awaited security feature allowing encrypted messaging between iOS and Android devices. Ads in Apple Maps are also appearing in the beta, targeting U.S. and Canadian users, with businesses able to place ads in search results and a new 'Suggested Places' section. This minor update, seeded to developers, primarily prepares the groundwork for the more significant iOS 27 release expected in September. The encryption feature, previously tested but absent in iOS 26.4, remains uncertain for final inclusion.