All articles tagged with #ios 265
Apple and Google are enabling end‑to‑end encrypted RCS cross‑platform messaging in the iOS 26.5 beta, embedding encryption into the GSMA’s RCS Universal Profile so iPhone and Android users can chat privately automatically when both parties are on a supported device and carrier; major carriers in the US and Canada are onboard, but it’s a beta rollout and may take time to reach all users.
Apple’s iOS 26.5 adds end‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging for Android users via the Messages app, with a lock icon and an “Encrypted” badge; encryption will roll out by default to new and existing RCS conversations, and Android users must be on the latest Google Messages. The update also brings new Maps wallpapers and ads, plus iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5.
Apple released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, introducing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android (beta), a new Maps 'Suggested Places' feature with ad groundwork, and a Pride Luminance wallpaper; updates are available OTA with carrier/region caveats, and Apple signals iOS 27/iPadOS 27 previews at WWDC.
Apple's iOS 26.5 adds end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, a 'Suggested Places' feature in Maps with ads later this year, and a Pride Luminance wallpaper. The piece also covers a Mac mini price hike after removing the 256GB option, a surge in demand for the MacBook Neo that could affect the entry-level $599 model, and rumors of a future MacBook Ultra; plus notes on the iPhone 18 Pro's aluminum finish amid durability chatter and potential iPhone 18/18e component sharing.
Apple has released a second release candidate for iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to developers for testing, five days after the first RC. Details on changes are not specified, but Siri updates are expected in iOS 27. The update includes groundwork for ads in Apple Maps, and Apple is continuing to test end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android. A Pride wallpaper and Pride Watch band are also noted, with a likely iOS 26.5 launch next week.
Apple’s iOS 26.5 introduces three new features: (1) end‑to‑end encryption for RCS messaging between iOS and Android devices (beta, rolling out to supported carriers); (2) a new Suggested Places feature in Maps that offers location-based recommendations (with ads coming to the US and Canada later this year, labeled accordingly and with privacy protections); and (3) a Pride Luminance wallpaper that refracts a spectrum of colors on iPhone and iPad when running iOS 26.5/iPadOS 26.5. SMS remains unencrypted; Apple cautions the update RC suggests a global rollout next week, ahead of iOS 27 at WWDC 2026.
Apple confirms iOS 26.5 adds default-end-to-end encryption for cross‑platform RCS messages between iPhone and Android, with rollout tied to carrier support for the latest RCS and a Settings toggle to enable it; the feature, still in beta, is part of RCS Universal Profile 3.0 built on Messaging Layer Security and aims to bring iPhone–Android chats on par with iMessage security, while adding capabilities like editing, deleting, and inline replies as rollout continues.
iOS 26.5 is a relatively minor beta that lays groundwork for end-to-end encryption of RCS in Messages and introduces ads in Apple Maps in the U.S. and Canada with privacy protections; Apple also plans to extend iPhone features to third-party wearables in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, with iOS 27 set to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 and a fall release window, and iOS 26.5 expected to arrive in May after beta testing.
Apple released the third betas of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to developers, a week after the second betas. The updates do not bring new Siri features (likely saved for iOS 27); Maps gains a Suggested Places feature and ads groundwork, while Apple continues testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android. In the EU, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third‑party wearables, enabling more features for earbuds and smartwatches. Details are covered in the iOS 26.5 beta features guide.
iOS 26.5 adds a two-item, personalized Suggested Places row in Apple Maps' search field, based on trending spots and your past searches; this builds on iOS 26's Visited Places, Preferred routes, and Apple Intelligence, which together make Maps smarter and more convenient, though ads are expected this summer and the author would like more than two suggestions (perhaps a horizontally scrolling list) once available.
Apple released the second public betas of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5 for testing; testers can install via Software Update after signing up. The updates add a Suggested Places feature in iOS 26.5/iPadOS 26.5 and signal Apple’s plan to show ads in Maps. Apple is again testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android, and EU builds include proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third‑party wearables.
Apple released the second beta builds of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to developers—two weeks after the first betas. The update avoids new Siri features (likely saved for iOS 27) and adds Maps Suggested Places with groundwork for ads. It also continues testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android, while the EU is trialing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third‑party wearables to mirror many Apple Watch/AirPods capabilities. Details are summarized in the iOS 26.5 beta features guide.
Apple plans to release iOS 26.5 as the final major update for iOS 26, with four beta versions (RC on May 4) and a public rollout around May 11–12, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT. The update emphasizes performance, stability and battery efficiency as it concludes iOS 26 and sets the stage for iOS 27, expected to be unveiled at WWDC 2026 with AI/Siri enhancements.
Apple has released the first beta builds of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to developers for testing, with potential new Apple Intelligence Siri features that may wait until iOS 27. The update could also bring end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, plus EU plans for notification forwarding and proximity pairing for third-party wearables. No other features are confirmed yet, and developers can download the betas via Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple’s iOS 26.5 beta 1 introduces groundwork for ads in Maps with a new Suggested Places feature, re-enables end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android, rolls out EU interoperability features for third‑party wearables (proximity pairing, notifications, and Live Activities), enables Magic Accessories to pair over USB‑C via Bluetooth, adds an iPhone‑to‑Android transfer option for selecting which attachments to migrate, and notes mentions of Apple Books awards plus an Inuktitut keyboard layout.