iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5
Juli Clover (release notes, security, no enterprise, developer):
iOS 26.5 introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between iPhone and Android users. E2EE for RCS requires both participants in the conversation to have a carrier that supports the feature, and carriers will be rolling out support over time. Encrypted RCS messages have a small lock symbol, and match the end-to-end encryption protections of iMessage.
In the Maps app, there is a new “Suggested Places” section that displays recommendations based on location and recent searches. The Maps app is getting ads this summer, and the groundwork for ads is included in iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5.
Apple added a new Pride Luminance wallpaper that matches the Pride Luminance Apple Watch face and Apple Watch band. The updates are largely the same on iPad.
Apple is calling encrypted RCS a beta:
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.
[…]
Encryption is on by default and will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.
[…]
[iMessage] remains the best way to communicate between Apple devices.
See also: Wired.
Previously:
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Seems like Apple switched strategies again, or the general release of 18.7.8 was a mistake. On my phone capable of running 26, 18.7.9 does *not* show up. What a shame, if it stays that way.
I can only speculate about the reasons. Maaaaybe the security updates weren't so important this time. Then again, they weren't mentioned for 18.7.8 either. (18.7.7 was the emergency update).
