Apple released iOS 26.5 on May 11, 2026. It is a minor update and the last big release in the iOS 26 lineup before iOS 27 is announced at WWDC on June 8, 2026. The update brings a handful of useful changes encrypted RCS messaging, new features in Apple Maps, a new Pride wallpaper, and new App Store subscription options. Here is a full breakdown of everything in iOS 26.5.
In this article you will get to know about iOS 26.5 Update and all new features, and everything related to it.
Encrypted RCS Messaging in Messages App
The biggest change in iOS 26.5 is end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging. RCS came to iPhone in iOS 18, but messages between iPhone and Android were not encrypted until now. Anyone intercepting the connection, including your carrier, could read those messages. iOS 26.5 changes that.
Apple built support for RCS Universal Profile 3.0, which uses the Messaging Layer Security protocol to encrypt conversations between iPhones and Android devices. Encryption is turned on by default. You can check the status by going to Settings, then Apps, then Messages, then RCS Messaging, where you will see an End-to-End Encryption toggle. The feature is in beta and works with supported carriers only. It will roll out to more carriers over time.
This update was first tested in the iOS 26.4 beta but did not make it into the final release. Apple confirmed it is staying in iOS 26.5. This is a welcome privacy upgrade for anyone who regularly texts Android users.
Ads and Suggested Places in Apple Maps
iOS 26.5 brings two new things to Apple Maps. The first is Suggested Places. When you tap the search bar in Maps, you will now see two recommendations based on what is trending nearby and your recent searches. The feature is built into the search screen and shows up every time you open search inside Maps.
The second is ads. Apple announced in March 2026 that ads are coming to Apple Maps this summer in the US and Canada. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for this. Businesses in the US and Canada will be able to place local ads in search results and at the top of the Suggested Places section. Ads will have a clear Ad label, and Apple has promised strong privacy protections. Your location and the ads you see in Maps are not linked to your Apple account.
Some users are not happy about ads coming to a paid ecosystem. Apple Maps has been ad-free since launch and this is a first for the app.
New Pride Luminance Wallpaper
iOS 26.5 includes a new Pride Luminance wallpaper for iPhone. The wallpaper dynamically refracts a range of colors to celebrate Pride Month. It comes with 11 color variants to choose from. There is also a custom option where you can pick between 1 and 12 colors to be included in your wallpaper. A matching Pride Edition Sport Loop and Pride Luminance watch face are also available for Apple Watch.
New App Store Subscription Option
iOS 26.5 brings a new subscription billing option to the App Store. Developers can now offer monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. This means users can pay monthly but at a reduced annual rate, instead of paying the full yearly amount upfront. This model is common on other platforms and gives users more flexibility without a large upfront cost.
Accessories and EU Updates
iOS 26.5 also brings improvements for users who use Apple accessories like the Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, and Magic Mouse with their iPhone or iPad. The update makes the experience smoother when switching between accessories.
For users in the European Union, iOS 26.5 extends iPhone features like notifications, Live Activities, and AirPods-style pairing to third-party smartwatches and headphones. This is required under the EU’s Digital Markets Act and allows non-Apple wearables to connect more deeply with iPhones in Europe.
Apple Books Year in Review
iOS 26.5 also includes hints at new Year in Review features for Apple Books. Titles and achievement medals like The Loyal Reader, Reading Royalty, and The Power Reader were spotted in the update. These are expected to roll out as the year progresses.
What Is Not in iOS 26.5 Siri Updates Delayed Again
Many iPhone users were waiting for a major Siri update. A rebuilt Siri with a dedicated app, conversation history, personal context, and on-screen awareness has been in development since 2024. It did not arrive in iOS 26.4 and it is not in iOS 26.5 either. Apple is expected to show this new Siri at WWDC on June 8, 2026 as part of iOS 27. The full rollout is expected in September 2026.
How to Install iOS 26.5
Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap General. Tap Software Update. Download and install iOS 26.5. Make sure your iPhone has enough battery or is plugged in before starting the update.
What comes next iOS 27
iOS 26.5 is the last major update in the iOS 26 lineup. Apple will unveil iOS 27 at WWDC on June 8, 2026 at 10 AM Pacific Time. The keynote can be watched for free on Apple’s website, the Apple Developer app, or Apple’s YouTube channel. iOS 27 is expected to bring a redesigned Siri, AI tools in Calendar, Health, and Photos, and a new Siri Extensions system that lets you choose between AI models like Claude, Gemini, Grok, and ChatGPT for specific tasks. iOS 27 is expected to release to all users in September 2026.
What are the main new features in iOS 26.5?
The main features are end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, Suggested Places in Apple Maps, ads in Apple Maps, a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, and new App Store subscription billing options.
How do I turn on encrypted RCS messaging in iOS 26.5?
Go to Settings, then Apps, then Messages, then RCS Messaging. You will see an End-to-End Encryption toggle. It is turned on by default in iOS 26.5.
Will iOS 26.5 show ads in Apple Maps on my iPhone?
Ads in Apple Maps are launching in the US and Canada this summer. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for them. They will appear in search results and in the new Suggested Places section with a clear Ad label.
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26.5?
iOS 26.5 is compatible with the same iPhones that support iOS 26. This includes iPhone 13 and newer models. Older models like iPhone 12 and below are not supported.
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