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Why some iPhone text chats may have a new alert on them

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by Addy Bink - 05/12/26 12:20 PM ET

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by Addy Bink - 05/12/26 12:20 PM ET

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(NEXSTAR) – You may notice a new warning in your iPhone’s text messages, and it’s not a scam about unpaid tolls.

On Monday, Apple released its latest iOS update, 26.5, for eligible iPhones and iPads. In it are three “enhancements,” according to the release note: Apple Maps will now display recommendations based on your recent searches and what is trending nearby, a Pride wallpaper, and end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging.

It’s the latter that could introduce a change to your text messages.

Back in 2024, when Apple rolled out iOS 18, it updated the Messages app to support RCS (Rich Communication Services), which improves texting between iPhones and Androids. It was meant to improve photos and videos sent via text and group chats, and it brought read receipts to those less-than-pleasing green text bubbles.

At the time, Android devices were already using RCS messaging. In 2022, Google called out Apple’s use of SMS messaging (Short Message Service or basic texts) and blamed it for the challenges iPhone users had while texting Android users.

In addition to visual improvements, RCS texting is considered more secure and private than SMS, according to Apple.

“When RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted, they can’t be read while they’re sent between devices,” Apple explained Monday. “Encryption is on by default and will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.”

How to know if your messages are encrypted

You first need to make sure your device is updated, but more on that in a moment.

If your phone has already been updated, you may have noticed an alert like this in your text messages:

A notice about end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging – the lock emoji and the text “Encrypted” in the center – can be seen in this screenshot. (Alix Martichoux/Nexstar)

It’s a simple lock emoji and the text “Encrypted,” which will appear in the text chats.

To get the RCS messaging on your iPhone, you’ll need to do two things: get iOS 26.5, and ensure your carrier supports it.

How to get end-to-end encryption

First, the software update. Like all others before it, you can find it under Settings, then General, then Software Update. If your phone hasn’t already downloaded the update, you’ll be asked to do it here.

It’s worth noting that iOS 26.5 is only available for iPhone 11 models and newer.

Checking whether your cellphone provider supports end-to-end encryption is a little more complicated. Apple lists the carriers and whether they support it here, but to save you some time, we’ve identified these eligible U.S. carriers:

AT&TBoost MobileC SpireCellcom WisconsinConsumer CellularCox MobileCricketFamily MobileFirstNetMetro by T-MobileMint MobileNex-Tech WirelessPureTalkRed PocketSpectrumStrataT-MobileTracFone/Straight TalkUltra MobileUS CellularVerizonVisibleXfinity Mobile

Android users with the latest version of Google Messages will also have access to end-to-end encryption, according to Google.

Unfortunately for iPhone users, the green text bubbles will still be present in conversations with Android users.

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