Apple brings RCS secret chat to iPhone

Apple will now allow you to book RCS conversations with Android users through the Messages app on iOS. As part of iOS 26.5, which was released on Monday, Apple added support for end-to-end RCS encrypted messages in beta, meaning that Apple and Google do not see your messages when they are sent.

With iOS 26.5, you’ll see a lock icon and a small “Encrypted” message at the top of the chat to identify when you’re chatting with an Android user and you’re on a carrier it supports the view. apple he says that encryption will be permanent and “will be unlocked over time in new RCS discussions.” Android users will also need to use the latest version of Google Messages. apple he started to try RCS private chat with Android users earlier this year.

iOS 26.5 also includes new pictures and add ads to the Map. “Maps can show local ads based on your location, keywords, or how the map is viewed when you search,” according to the pop-up I saw when I opened Maps and installed the update. Apple says ad information “is not associated with your Apple account.

In addition to iOS 26.5, Apple released iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 on Monday.