May 12, 2026 11:00:00

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 have been released, enabling the sending and receiving of encrypted RCS messages between iPhones and Android smartphones.

On May 11, 2026, Apple released iOS 26.5, along with iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5. iOS 26.5 includes new wallpapers, a feature that recommends popular spots in Apple Maps, and the ability to exchange encrypted RCS messages with Android users.

iOS & iPadOS 26.5 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/ios-ipados-release-notes/ios-ipados-26_5-release-notes

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging is now available in beta - Apple (Japan)
https://www.apple.com/jp/newsroom/2026/05/end-to-end-encrypted-rcs-messaging-begins-rolling-out-today-in-beta/

E2EE RCS Messaging Rolls Out for Android and iPhone Users
https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/platforms/android/android-ios-end-to-end-encrypted-rcs-messaging/

Apple releases iOS 26.5 with 3 key features including new wallpapers for your iPhone - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2026/05/11/apple-releases-ios-26-5-with-3-key-features-including-new-wallpapers-for-your-iphone/

According to Apple and Google, the two companies are working together to introduce end-to-end encryption to RCS (Rich Communication Services) across industry boundaries, enhancing security and privacy for cross-platform messaging that replaces traditional Short Message Service (SMS).

Then, on May 11, 2026, Apple released iOS 26.5 and began offering end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta to iPhone users with iOS 26.5, compatible carriers, and Android users with the latest version of Google Messages.

End-to-end encryption of RCS messages significantly reduces the risk of content being read during message transmission between devices. Encryption is enabled by default and is automatically enabled for both new and existing RCS chats. The lock icon shown in the red box below indicates that the conversation is encrypted.

iOS 26.5 also features a new wallpaper called 'Pride Luminance.'

Announced on May 4, 2026, along with a watch face, Pride Luminance celebrates the LGBTQ+ community worldwide by representing the diverse colors that make up the LGBTQ+ community. The color stripes can be changed in the options menu, allowing you to customize them with a single color or up to 12 colors.

The iOS 26.5 beta, released in March 2026, added a 'Trending Spots' feature to Apple Maps, which has now been officially implemented in this major update. The Trending Spots feature displays recommended locations based on what's popular in the vicinity and the user's recent search history when the map is opened. There are also reports that Apple Maps will begin displaying ads at the top of search results on both the mobile and web versions by summer 2026.

Apple plans to display ads in Apple Maps search results by summer 2026 - GIGAZINE

In addition, iOS 26.5 adds a new option to App Store subscriptions: a 12-month contract with a monthly payment option. This feature was already available globally in iOS 26.4, but US users need to update to iOS 26.5 to select it. Apple's Reminders app has also been updated, allowing for more accurate time confirmation with the snooze function.

Looking ahead, Apple has announced that WWDC 2026 will be held from June 8th to June 12th, 2026 (local time), and it is expected that iOS 27, a major software update for the next iPhone, will be announced and a developer beta version will be released on the same day.

WWDC26 - Apple Developer
https://developer.apple.com/jp/wwdc26/