Apple has pushed a release‑candidate build of iOS 26.5 to its developer portal, signaling that a public rollout is imminent—most likely within the next few days. The accompanying changelog confirms the long‑rumored addition of RCS support, the protocol that powers carrier‑based messaging on Android. This move brings Apple’s native Messages app a new layer of security for users worldwide today.

The feature lands in beta, meaning developers can test it before a broader release. Apple notes that end‑to‑end encryption will only function with carriers that have opted into the protocol, and activation will be staggered rather than instantaneous. Consequently, iPhone owners may not see the protection immediately, even after updating to iOS 26.5 for adopters seeking stronger privacy and data safety.

When carriers eventually enable the service, Android phones will be able to exchange RCS messages with iPhones under end‑to‑end protection, closing a long‑standing security gap between the platforms. Consumers stand to benefit from encrypted chats without abandoning native messaging, while carriers gain a reason to adopt the upgraded protocol. iOS 26.5 therefore marks a meaningful step toward cross‑ecosystem privacy today.