Apple Releases iOS 26.5 and Other Updates with Major Security Fixes and RCS Message Encryption

Apple has rolled out a major update package for its devices, including iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5. Security is the headline feature of these releases. iOS 26.5 gets the most fixes, with Apple citing over 50 patched vulnerabilities.

Alongside the latest OS versions, Apple also issued updates for older devices. These include iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 17.7.11, iOS 16.7.16, iPadOS 16.7.16, iOS 15.8.8, iPadOS 15.8.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.7. Most of these legacy updates contain a single security fix. It addresses a notification system flaw that could allow recovery of already deleted notifications. A similar patch was previously included in iOS 26.4.2.

Apple recommends that users install the latest software on their iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and Vision Pro devices, especially if they are used for work, storing sensitive data, or processing payments.

Beyond security patches, iOS 26.5 brings a significant update to the Messages app. Conversations using the RCS standard now support end-to-end encryption. RCS is seen as the modern successor to traditional SMS, enabling richer communication between iPhone and Android devices. It offers features akin to iMessage, such as higher-quality photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and other modern messaging capabilities.