Apple has officially seeded Release Candidate versions of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 to developers. The updates, expected to launch publicly next week, introduce one of the most requested features: end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages exchanged between iPhone and Android devices. This move significantly enhances privacy in cross-platform conversations, bringing them to the same security level as iMessage.
End-to-End Encryption for RCS: A Privacy Leap
The headline feature of iOS 26.5 is the implementation of E2EE for RCS messages, developed by Apple in collaboration with the GSM Association. The functionality is based on the RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. When an iPhone user sends an RCS message to an Android contact, the content is encrypted on the sender's device and decrypted only on the recipient's device, making interception impossible for third parties including carriers and platforms. Encryption is enabled by default and can be managed via a toggle in the Messages settings. Protected messages are marked with a small lock icon. It's important to note that the feature remains in beta, as stated by Apple, and requires both sender and receiver to use carriers that support the latest RCS version. The rollout will be gradual over time.
Other iOS 26.5 Features and Related Updates
Beyond encryption, iOS 26.5 introduces a new Pride wallpaper, matching the 2026 Pride Apple Watch band. The Maps app gains Suggested Places, recommending nearby locations based on trends and recent searches, and Apple is laying the groundwork for ads in Maps. Another significant addition, limited to the European Union, is support for third-party wearables: users can use non-Apple earphones and smartwatches with features like proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities, bringing an experience similar to AirPods and Apple Watch to other brands. For macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and tvOS 26.5, the updates focus mainly on bug fixes and performance improvements, with the exception of a new Pride watch face for watchOS. No new Siri features are included, likely postponed to iOS 27 as earlier rumors suggested.
The Future of iOS 27: Customizable Wallet Passes
Looking ahead, rumors indicate that iOS 27 will bring a major innovation to the Wallet app: the ability to create custom passes. The feature, called “Create a Pass”, will let users scan QR codes on tickets, loyalty cards, and gift cards to generate a digital pass directly in Wallet. If no QR code is available, users can create a custom pass by choosing from three types (purple for events, blue for memberships, and orange for other) and customizing images, colors, and text. This feature, arriving with the iOS 27 beta at WWDC in June, will bridge the gap between native passes and third-party ones.
For a deeper look at Apple's latest initiatives, check out our article on iOS 26.5 Arriving Soon, M4 iPad Air on Sale, and the 2026 Pride Collection - Apple's Best This Month, offering a comprehensive overview of this period's Apple news. Additionally, the new smartwatch operating system is covered in watchOS 27 Brings the Power of Modular Ultra to All Standard Apple Watch Models. For broader context on messaging evolution, refer to the Wikipedia page on Rich Communication Services.
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