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iOS, macOS, and iPadOS 26.5 updates arrive with encrypted RCS messaging and more
Apple's iOS 26.5 adds encrypted RCS messaging in beta while the AI-powered Siri promised since 2024 remains missing ahead of WWDC.
What: Apple released iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and HomePod software version 26.5. The update adds end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta, limited carriers, shows padlock icon), Pride wallpapers, groundwork for Apple Maps ads, and EU third-party wearable support. iOS 27 preview expected at WWDC next month.
Why it matters: Apple's multi-year delay shipping AI-powered Siri (first promised 2024, using Google Gemini) and reported plans to let users choose AI models in iOS 27 suggest Apple is struggling to integrate third-party AI without ceding control of the user experience.
Decoder
- RCS (Rich Communication Services): Google's SMS successor that adds read receipts, typing indicators, file sharing, and group chats to standard carrier messaging, used by Android as default and now supported by Apple for cross-platform messaging.
Original article
Other additions in the 26.5 releases are new Pride-themed wallpapers and some of the initial work needed to support ads in the Apple Maps app.
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