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Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 26.5, and while the update is not huge, it does contain one potentially groundbreaking change. It concerns the return of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, which previously appeared in testing but did not make it into the final version of the system. Now it seems that Apple is trying to implement it again, and this time it may succeed.
Encrypted RCS Messages Return in Beta
The biggest change is the ability to enable end-to-end encryption for RCS in the message settings. This is a significant step because previously, RCS on iPhones did not offer the same level of protection as iMessage. The feature is still labeled as beta and works only on selected devices and with specific operators, but its return suggests that Apple is seriously considering its full implementation.
Smaller changes are also appearing...
Besides RCS, the update also introduces smaller novelties, such as the "Suggested Places" section in the Maps app, which suggests locations based on previous searches. As befits a .5 version, it's more a set of minor improvements and tests rather than a major revolution, but such updates often bring features that later become standard.
It’s worth remembering that this is only a beta version, so features may change or even disappear before the official release. Apple has removed RCS encryption from the final version of the system once before, so nothing is certain yet. Stability and battery life may also be an issue, so it's better not to install this version on your main device.
iOS 26.5 may finally fix one of the biggest shortcomings of RCS on the iPhone. If encryption makes it to the final version, it will be a significant step for Apple users' privacy.
source: cnet.com
