APPLE WATCH

watchOS 26.5 fixes dual SIM iMessage SMS encryption bug

Apple Watch was sending unencrypted texts without telling anyone. watchOS 26.5 fixes that.

The Short Version

Apple released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 release candidates to developers on May 4, 2026, adding Maps Suggested Places, RCS encryption, and EU features for third-party wearables.

Apple Watch was quietly sending unencrypted SMS texts instead of iMessages on dual-SIM iPhones, and most users had no idea. That is not a minor bug. Workout audio alerts also failed silently when the phone was out of range, which is a real problem for runners. The watchOS 26.5 fixes are the actual headline here, not the new Pride watch face.

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Why You Need to Download the watchOS 26.5 Update Today

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← Newerapple watchApple Pride Luminance watch face launches in watchOS 26.5 with 12 colors
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