Apple在2026年5月11日推出的iOS 26.5中，加入了一项值得立即升级的功能：在iPhone的Messages内，iPhone与Android之间透过RCS传送的对话可加入端对端加密；Apple注明这些标示为加密的通道在传输途中无法被读取。过去iMessage在Apple装置间本已启用加密，但跨平台的RCS文字未受保护；此次更新针对这一缺口做了修补，属于beta阶段，且能否启用仍受装置与电信业者条件限制。
更新后，若设备与业者支援，RCS加密功能预设会开启；可在「设定」>「应用程式」>「讯息」>「RCS讯息」检查，绿色指示代表启用。使用者也可在对话页面底部看到讯息类型标签：iMessage、Text Message - RCS或Text Message - SMS；新开RCS对话有时会出现小锁头图示。标示为SMS的聊天不会转为加密；此外，RCS并非普及到所有业者，但Verizon、T-Mobile与AT&T等主要美国运营商已支援，其他可在Apple支援页面查询。
iOS 26.5的其他变更较为次要，Beta资讯显示Maps可能开始出现餐厅等搜寻建议广告，也加入「Suggested Places」以基于搜寻与附近趋势推荐地点，另附六月前后的Pride主题壁纸。文章指出，若只为加密通讯可升级到iOS 26.5；但更大规模的iOS更新预计在秋季出现，若延续既有节奏，Apple将在6月WWDC推出iOS 27，并在年底向所有用户广泛开放。
Apple’s iOS 26.5, released on May 11, 2026, adds a practical security gain: in Messages, iPhone-to-Android RCS conversations can now be end-to-end encrypted. Apple says encrypted conversations cannot be read while in transit, which closes a longstanding gap because iMessage already had this protection while RCS did not. The feature is introduced as a beta and remains conditional on device and carrier compatibility.
After updating, RCS end-to-end encryption should be enabled by default when supported. You can verify it in Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging, where a green toggle signals it is on. In each thread, labels may show iMessage, Text Message - RCS, or Text Message - SMS, and a small lock icon may appear for new encrypted RCS chats. SMS threads are unchanged. Carrier support is incomplete globally, but major U.S. operators including Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T already support the protocol; others require checking Apple’s carrier-availability list.
Other iOS 26.5 changes are relatively minor. The beta suggests Maps ads may appear in search results and a new “Suggested Places” feature that recommends nearby spots based on queries and trends, plus Pride-themed wallpapers. The article argues that while upgrading to 26.5 is worthwhile for secure messaging, major platform changes are expected in fall. If Apple follows prior timing, iOS 27 is expected at WWDC in June, with a broad public rollout later in 2026.