Observed Signal · May 12, 2026 · Technical Release · Source: t3n · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
iOS 26.5 Adds End-to-End Encryption for RCS
Apple released version 26.5 for iOS, macOS, iPadOS and watchOS (rolled out in May 2026), introducing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the Messages app. The encryption implements RCS Universal Profile 3.0 and uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol; Apple marks the feature as beta and is rolling it out gradually. Encrypted RCS requires both chat participants to use RCS 3.0‑compatible apps and for mobile carriers to support the standard. In Germany, Telekom, O2 and 1&1 are listed by Apple as supporting encrypted RCS chats; Vodafone is not. The update also includes a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, early ad tests in Apple Maps in some regions, numerous security patches across Apple platforms, and version updates for older OS releases to address vulnerabilities.
Major-platform technical release (Apple) introducing cross-platform end-to-end encryption for RCS affects messaging interoperability, business messaging capabilities and measurement — significant for privacy and for marketers relying on messaging channels.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Apple issued OS updates (iOS/macOS/iPadOS/watchOS 26.5) in May 2026 that add end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in Messages.
- The RCS encryption is based on RCS Universal Profile 3.0 and uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol; Apple lists the feature as beta and will roll it out gradually.
- Carrier and app support are required: Apple says Telekom, O2 and 1&1 in Germany support encrypted RCS; Vodafone is not listed. Android users need the latest Google Messages (beta).
- Apple shipped security patches (50+ fixes) across multiple platforms and released updates for tvOS, visionOS, HomePod and legacy OS versions (e.g., iOS/iPadOS 18.7.9, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7).
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Apple Rolls Out iOS 26.5 Release Candidate
Apple has distributed a release candidate of iOS 26.5 to developers and plans a public release in the coming days. The update enables end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging (beta) with a gradual carrier-dependent rollout, adds a Suggested Places feature to Apple Maps (preparing the app for ads planned from summer in markets like the US), and includes EU-specific changes to improve support for third-party hardware to comply with the Digital Markets Act. The RC lacks the long-anticipated Siri redesign, which Apple is now expected to ship with iOS 27. The release also introduces a new downloadable wallpaper named “Pride Luminance.” Apple did not specify which carriers will support RCS encryption or the exact scope of content protected by the encryption.
iOS 26.5 Incoming: Key iPhone Update
Apple has distributed a Release Candidate of iOS 26.5 to developers ahead of a public rollout. The update will (in beta) enable end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, subject to carrier support and a phased rollout. Apple Maps will gain a "Suggested Places" feature that surfaces location recommendations and prepares the ground for paid search results and promoted place suggestions; Apple plans to start showing ads in Maps from summer in initial markets such as the USA. The RC also includes EU-focused changes to improve use of third-party hardware (driven by the DMA), a new separately downloadable "Pride Luminance" wallpaper, and no sign yet of the redesigned Siri (expected with iOS 27).
GSMA finalises RCS 4.0 adding native video calls
The GSMA has finalised the RCS Universal Profile 4.0 specification, upgrading Rich Communication Services (the SMS successor) with features aimed at closing the gap to modern messaging apps. RCS 4.0 adds native video calls (including late join for group calls), text formatting (bold/italic/underline), improved photo/video/audio transfer with automatic format selection, and business-oriented features such as streaming videos in message cards and finer link-handling behavior. RCS 3.0 (finalised March 2025) introduced native end-to-end encryption, but platform vendors and carriers are still testing rollout. The article notes Apple and Google are testing encryption support (Apple has said it will ship encryption with a later update, possibly iOS 26.5) and that broad device availability for RCS 4.0 likely will not arrive before 2027, with Google/Android expected to lead adoption.
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