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

(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........

© The Hill