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Apple Launches iOS 26.5 with Default Encrypted RCS

5/12/2026

Summary

Apple Adds Encryption

Apple released iOS 26.5 on May 11 2026 in the United States, adding beta end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone users.
Encryption is enabled by default and automatically applies to new and existing RCS conversations.
The feature works only with supported carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Bell, Rogers and other U.S. and Canadian providers.
Android users must run the latest Google Messages on a compatible carrier for encryption to activate.

Summary

Apple Secures RCS

Apple added support for the industry-standard RCS texting protocol in 2023 after mounting regulatory pressure.
Apple, Google and the GSMA’s RCS Working Group created end-to-end encryption for RCS as part of Universal Profile 3.0, which also adds editing, deleting and cross-platform Tapback features.
iOS 26.5 patches more than 50 security vulnerabilities in AppleJPEG, ImageIO, the kernel, mDNSResponder and WebKit, bolstering device security alongside the encrypted RCS rollout.

Summary

Apple, Google Encrypt

Apple and Google have begun rolling out encrypted RCS messaging to answer the FBI’s 2024 warning about insecure cross-platform texts.
Encryption works only where carriers support it, so users who switch networks may lose protection.
Analysts say the new RCS could modestly pressure WhatsApp in markets such as India.
Apple and Google aim for RCS to become the default secure texting protocol worldwide, narrowing the Android-iPhone split.

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Apple Adds Encryption

Apple released iOS 26.5 on May 11 2026 in the United States, adding beta end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone users.
Encryption is enabled by default and automatically applies to new and existing RCS conversations.
The feature works only with supported carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Bell, Rogers and other U.S. and Canadian providers.
Android users must run the latest Google Messages on a compatible carrier for encryption to activate.

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