Apple broadcasts the version 26.5 of its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS and macOS. One of the most significant new features of this update is the introduction of support for end-to-end encryption for RCS. Between iPhones and Android devices, it’s a level of security and privacy comparable to iMessage.
Still in beta at the moment
End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the contents of a message. When an RCS conversation is encrypted, it cannot be intercepted and read by third parties, including Apple and Google, while in transit between devices.
This protection is enabled by default and will be rolled out gradually for all RCS conversations. For now, the feature is in beta and depends on compatible mobile operators.
Users will know that an exchange is secure by the appearance of a new padlock icon in the Messages app. On the Android side, users of the latest version of Google Messages will see the same symbol. If this padlock does not appear, it means that the conversation is not encrypted.
The end of the green and blue bubble war?
For iPhone users, the famous green bubbles of messages sent to Android contacts will now benefit from the same confidentiality as the blue bubbles of iMessage.
In a press release, Apple specifies that its iMessage service has always been end-to-end encrypted, and remains ” the best way to communicate between Apple devices “.
The adoption of encrypted RCS ends a long period of pressure from Googlewho actively campaigned for Apple to get up to speed in order to improve interoperability and security.
Other new features of iOS 26.5
Although encrypted RCS is the flagship new feature, the iOS 26.5 update brings other additions. Apple is introducing a new Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically reflects a spectrum of colors.
Changes are made to the application Apple Plans (Apple Maps) to display recommendations based on nearby trends and the user’s recent searches. This is preparation for ads in Apple Plans, starting with the United States and Canada.
For users in the European Union, iOS 26.5 also enables support for iPhone notifications and Live Activities for third-party accessories. Compliance with European regulations.
