iOS 26.5’s Release Candidate (RC) is now available, and Apple has confirmed that the update will introduce a significant upgrade for the Messages app with support for RCS end-to-end encryption. This enhancement aims to improve messaging security and privacy, especially for users communicating between iPhones and Android devices. RCS messaging will provide iMessage-style features in green bubble conversations.
The iOS 26.5 update will roll out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) for users with supported carriers over time. Ahead of the expected public launch of iOS 26.5, Apple plans to publish a list of these carriers on its webpage, although specific details are not yet available.
Apple previously offered end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the iOS 26.5 beta, a feature that was also present in the iOS 26.4 beta before its removal prior to release. Observers noted that Apple did not issue warnings about the RCS feature shipping with the current release, contrasting with the caution expressed during the iOS 26.4 beta.
Although the end-to-end encryption feature remains labeled as beta, it will be included in the final version of iOS 26.5, which is expected to launch next week.
