OS 26.5 is now rolling out to iPhones everywhere, adding new features like end-to-end RCS encryption and Suggested Places in the Maps app.

iOS 26.5 new features: Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 for iPhone users, introducing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging support in beta, a new dynamic Pride wallpaper, and smarter Apple Maps recommendations.

Unlock the best of iOS 26.5 with these 5 hidden features. From the new Pride Luminance wallpaper to encrypted RCS and smarter pairing.

The iOS 26.5 update finally brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to your device. When Apple brought RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one feature the messaging protocol was missing was end-to-end encryption. Now, this privacy protection will be available on your iPhone.

Encrypted RCS messaging has a “beta” label in this release, and Apple says it’s limited to a subset of supported cellular carriers. Expanded support “will roll out over time.” Encrypted chats will show up with a padlock icon in the Messages app; if you don’t see a padlock, the message isn’t encrypted, even if you’re using RCS.

Apple's latest version of iOS is here with several major updates like RCS encryption.

One of the most notable additions in iOS 26.5 is support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app. While it’s still technically labeled as a beta feature and limited to supported carriers, it’s the first step toward iPhone users being able to chat securely with their Android friends.

OS 26.5 finally brings E2EE to RCS messaging. The new 'Lock Icon' is in a green bubble, and learn how to secure your texts with Android.

Two new features are coming to Apple Maps with the release of iOS 26.5 — that is, if you consider the introduction of ads on the platform a