GoKawiilApple pushed out the iOS 26.5 release candidate on Monday, more than a month after the company released the massive iOS 26.4 update, which included new emoji, video podcasts and more. The iOS 26.5 RC brings a few smaller -- but impactful -- changes to the iPhones of developers and beta testers, including end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging.
Apple/Screenshot by CNET
Because this is an RC, I recommend downloading it only on a device other than your primary one. This isn't the final version of iOS 26.5, so the update might be buggy and battery life may be shortened. It's best to keep those problems on a secondary device.
Also, since this isn't the final version of iOS 26.5, Apple could add more features to the update before it arrives on your iPhone.
Here are some features developers and beta testers can try now, and what could land on your iPhone when Apple releases iOS 26.5. Apple usually releases iOS updates about a week after releasing an RC, so it could release iOS 26.5 to the general public on May 11 or 12.
End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging returns
The iOS 26.5 RC brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to your device -- finally. When Apple brought RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one feature the messaging protocol was missing was end-to-end encryption, and iOS 26.5 will likely bring this privacy protection to your iPhone.
To find this setting, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and tap the slider next to End-to-End Encryption (Beta).
Apple/Screenshot by CNET
Apple writes in the feature's description that it's still in beta, and it works only on certain carriers and devices. Apple also writes that these encrypted messages will be labeled as such, so you should know when your messages do and don't have this level of protection.
... continue reading