Apple releases iOS 26.5 with encrypted RCS messaging, Pride Luminance wallpaper and more: Supported iPhones, how to download

iOS 26.5 is here, bringing key enhancements to Apple iPhones. The company has released the latest iOS 26.5 for iPhone 11 and newer models. The update brings multiple improvements and features to iPhones, including the much-awaited end-to-end RCS messaging. “This update introduces end-to-end encrypted RCS (beta) messaging and a downloadable Pride Luminance wallpaper, along with enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone,” Apple said. The update also brings ads in Maps app along with Suggested Places to show recommendations based on what’s trending nearby and your recent searches. New Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors, is also available for download with iOS 26.5.iOS 26.5 is supported on the following iPhone models: TO download iOS 26.5 on your device, follow the steps below:One of the major features coming with iSO 26.5 is the end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging allowing iPhone users to send encrypted messages to Android devices. The feature is currently available in beta. Here’s what the official release said:“Starting today, iPhone users running iOS 26.5 will begin seeing a new lock icon in RCS chats indicating that messages in the chat are end-to-end encrypted. Apple and Google have led a cross-industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to Rich Communication Services (RCS), making the cross-platform messaging format that replaces traditional SMS more secure and private.Starting today, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging begins rolling out in beta for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest version of Google Messages. When RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted, they can’t be read while they’re sent between devices. Users will know that a conversation is end-to-end encrypted when they see a new lock icon in their RCS chats. Encryption is on by default and will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.”