Update your iPhone now to get better encrypted messages with Android

Introduced last year iOS 26 was eye-catching, with a transparent liquid glass aesthetic. Since then, Apple has iterated its smartphone software, although some users continue to express their dissatisfaction. If you’re holding out, this latest version — iOS 26.5 — includes a new feature that’s worth updating your smartphone right now: end-to-end encryption of RCS messages.

Apple rolled out the latest version of its iPhone operating system on Monday. Now, if an iPhone owner sends or receives green bubbles, also known as RCS texts, in Apple’s Messages app with an Android owner, those chats may be encrypted. “Conversations marked as end-to-end encrypted are encrypted, so messages cannot be read while being sent between devices,” an early version of the settings page says. Apple is releasing this feature in beta, and its current availability depends on your device and carrier.

Text messages between Apple devices in the Messages app, also known as iMessages, have been encrypted since its launch, but chats with Android devices haven’t been protected in the same way. Apple recently upgraded non-iMessages from SMS to RCS and updated the backend — enabling richer features when texting anyone on Android, like high-resolution images, read receipts, and typing indicators — but these chats still lack encryption options. The iOS 26.5 upgrade fixes this issue with cross-platform encryption in the iPhone’s default texting app.

How do I know if it’s running?

After you update your iPhone, the setting should be enabled by default if it’s available on your device and carrier. Verify by opening your Settings application, then go to Applications and Messages Tabs. Scroll down until you see RCS messages Under Text Messaging Options and tap on it. This is the page where you can see if RCS Messaging End-to-End Encryption beta is turned on – the toggle will show green if it’s enabled.

Now, you can check the chat type by opening the Messages app and locating the gray text displayed in this text box at the bottom of the screen. Will read either iMessage, Text message – RCSor Text message – SMS. You may see a small lock icon as part of the message thread when you start a new RCS conversation after this update. Conversations marked as “SMS” will not be changed.

RCS messaging isn’t available to every carrier, although the major US carriers — such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T — all support the text messaging protocol. Not sure if yours is covered? See Apple’s support page for a complete list of feature availability by carrier.

What’s new here?

Other changes in iOS 26.5 are fairly minor. Based on details of the beta, ads will likely start appearing in Maps as search suggestions when you search for a restaurant or other place. Changes to Maps also include the addition of Suggested Places, which recommends places you can get to based on your searches and nearby directions. The latest iOS also includes Pride-themed wallpapers, since June is right around the corner.

Although it’s worth updating your iPhone to iOS 26.5 for more secure messaging features, more sweeping changes to the smartphone’s software will arrive in the fall. Apple, if it follows the pattern of previous releases, is expected to unveil the completely revamped version, iOS 27, in June at its WWDC developers conference, making the update available for everyone to download later this year.