iOS, macOS, and iPadOS 26.5 updates arrive with encrypted RCS messaging and more
Probably the last big updates we'll see before the next versions appear at WWDC.
Signal weather
Stable
The story has moved beyond the first headline and now acts as a reliable context anchor.
Apple has released version 26.5 of all of its operating systems today: iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and version 26.5 of the HomePod software (whew). None of these are particularly momentous updates, which is pretty normal this late in their lifecycle, but they add a small batch of new features alongside the pile of patches outlined on Apple’s security vulnerabilities page. This is Apple’s first release to support end-to-end encryption for the RCS messaging standard, for example, which, when enabled, can give green-bubble messages some of the same security and privacy advantages that iMessage users have long enjoyed. Encrypted RCS messaging has a “beta” label in this release, and Apple says it’s limited to a subset of supported cellular carriers. Expanded support “will roll out over time.” Encrypted chats will show up with a padlock icon in the Messages app; if you don’t see a padlock, the message isn’t encrypted, even if you’re using RCS.Read full article Comments
Stay on the signal
Follow iOS, macOS, and iPadOS 26.5 updates arrive with encrypted RCS messaging and more
Follow this story beyond a single article: new follow-ups, adjacent sources, and the evolving storyline.
Story map
Understand this topic fast
A quick entry into the story: why it matters now, who is involved, and where to go next for context.
Why it matters now
Topic constellation
Open the live map for this story
See which entities, story threads, sources, and follow-up articles shape this story right now.
Click nodes to continue
Story timeline
Continue with this story
A short sequence of events and follow-up stories to understand the arc quickly.
How reliable this looks
Signal and trust for Ars Technica
This source works at a rapid pace: 100% of recent stories land in the hot window, and 0% carry visible search signal.
Reliability
92
Freshness
100
Sources in storyline
3
Related articles
More stories that share tags, source, or category context.
Here’s why Slate changed the battery in its cheap EV truck
While there was probably a moment when Slate’s leadership had to green-light the switch from one battery type to another, the momentum toward that decision had been building for...
Signal weather
Momentum is building quickly, so this card is a good early entry point into the topic.
Why now
Fresh coverage with immediate momentum.
Valve's Steam Machine ships June 29 for $1,049, but you probably won't be able to buy one yet
Valve says it's using a randomized purchase queue to make the experience "less frustrating and more fair."
Signal weather
Momentum is building quickly, so this card is a good early entry point into the topic.
Why now
Fresh coverage with immediate momentum.
You're probably using Agent Skills wrong
Comments
Signal weather
Momentum is building quickly, so this card is a good early entry point into the topic.
Why now
Fresh coverage with immediate momentum.
Sixty percent of US consumers say 'AI' in brand messaging is a turnoff
Comments
Signal weather
The story has moved beyond the first headline and now acts as a reliable context anchor.
Why now
This story is still moving and pulling follow-up coverage.
More from Ars Technica
Fresh reporting and follow-up coverage from the same newsroom.
Notion killing Skiff-influenced email app since most users use AI agents instead
Notion is "going all in on using agents to run your inbox."
Signal weather
Momentum is building quickly, so this card is a good early entry point into the topic.
Why now
Fresh coverage with immediate momentum.
Google finally releases a Finance Android app, promises iOS version later in 2026
It took 20 years, but the Finance app arrives just in time to be packed full of AI.
Signal weather
Momentum is building quickly, so this card is a good early entry point into the topic.
Why now
Fresh coverage with immediate momentum.
Anthropic says Alibaba must be punished for largest Claude cloning attack
Alibaba allegedly used 25,000 accounts to mine Claude over 28.8 million exchanges.
Signal weather
Momentum is building quickly, so this card is a good early entry point into the topic.
Why now
Fresh coverage with immediate momentum.
Planet orbits so close to its star that their magnetic fields connect
At the right point of the orbit and stellar cycle, the star's chromosphere brightens.
Signal weather
Momentum is building quickly, so this card is a good early entry point into the topic.
Why now
Fresh coverage with immediate momentum.