Apple’s latest iOS 26.5 update for your iPhone (and the closely-related iPadOS 26.5) are a relatively small update. That’s because Apple’s developer conference is around the corner and the company is already prepping hard for the September/October launch of its latest software for all current Apple devices.
As usual, the new software can be downloaded by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
Over the last few days Apple has also released a small incremental version, known as 26.5.1 – this is a very minor tweak to 26.5 tha”t fixes an iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max and iPhone Air issue which Apple explains as follows: “This update addresses an issue for a small number of users that may prevent wired charging on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 models when the battery is nearly drained.”
Here are the key changes in iOS 26.5
End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta)
Messages between iPhone and Android users using RCS can now be end-to-end encrypted just like in third-party apps like WhatsApp, meaning neither Apple nor your mobile carrier can read the content of your messages. It’s rolling out gradually and depends on carrier support plus the Android user having compatible RCS messaging. You’ll see a lock icon in supported chats when encryption is active.
Suggested Places in Apple Maps
The Maps app now surfaces place recommendations based on trends nearby and your recent searches. This is basically all about local discovery just like local groups on Facebook. So it’ll surface cafés, attractions or other places that are either relevant to where you are or what you’ve searched for on your iPhone recently. It appears this has launched in the US and Canada but we’re not sure when it will be available elsewhere.
New Pride Luminance wallpaper
Apple has also added a new downloadable Pride-themed wallpaper that shifts and refracts colours dynamically as you move or unlock your iPhone.
EU-only changes for third-party wearables and earbuds
Due to digital competition rules in the EU, Apple has started opening up some previously Apple-only capabilities for non-Apple smartwatches and headphones. Smartwatches can now have more comprehensive notificattions, while there is also fast-pairing for earbuds, though the third-party manufacturer also needs to update their devices.
Miscellaneous security updates and bug fixes
As you’d expect, there are numerous security patches, stability improvements and bug fixes included in the software as well. As usual, Apple published a separate security advisory detailing all of those updates.
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