The latest update for iPhone users, iOS 26.5, is officially here.
The beta version of the update is now available for developers about a month now, to give iPhone users a better idea what are the new features to expect. However, as we have seen with previous iOS updates, features are often added or removed when the public version launches – so now we know exactly what news in iOS 26.5.
First things first, iPhone users need to update their device to iOS 26.5. Apart from the new features, upgrading to the latest OS ensures that your device is protected with the latest security updates. To upgrade to iOS 26.5, simply go to Settings, then tap General, followed by Software Update.
Users must have an iPhone 11 or newer to download and install iOS 26.5 on their device.
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Nailing around the edges of the RCS
After upgrading to iOS 26.5, users will see a lock icon appear in RCS chats.
Credit: Apple
It is legal. After being tested on previous beta versions of iOS but failing to make the final release, the encrypted RCS message has arrived.
RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a messaging protocol that provides an Apple Messages-like experience when iPhone users and Android users write to each other. It enables iPhone and Android devices to send and receive high-quality media and view reading receipts and typing pointers.
However, before this update, these messages between iPhone and Android devices were not encrypted, which means they could be intercepted and read by unauthorized third parties.
iOS 26.5 finally brings encryption to RCS messages. However, it should be noted that even though the feature has reached the public release of iOS 26.5, encrypted RCS messages are still labeled as a beta feature by Apple. Feature availability also depends on your mobile carrier.
Yes, green chat bubbles are left.
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Apple Maps ads and suggested locations
Almost 13 and a half years after Apple launched its own Maps app, ads have made their way to Apple Maps. (As of this writing, the feature is still listed as “Coming soon” on the Apple Ads website.)
Businesses will now be able to pay to advertise in the Apple Maps app, similar to how app developers can run ads in Apple’s App Store. Users will see local ads in the Maps app based on their location.
The ads will appear in a brand new feature of Apple Maps called suggested locations.
Apple has been hiring advertisers for Apple Maps ads.
Credit: Apple
While Suggested Places in Apple Maps will provide users with recommendations based on paid ads, it will also generate organic recommendations. Suggested places will show users nearby trending places, such as restaurants, shops, or tourist spots, based on their recent search results.
USB-C accessory pairing
Want to use Magic Mouse or Magic Keyboard with your iPhone? It’s easier than ever with iOS 26.5.
Simply connect the phone device to the iPhone via USB-C, and the device will automatically pair with the iPhone.
This means that after the first pairing, users can simply unplug the USB-C cable and use the Magic Mouse or Magic Keyboard with their iPhone via Bluetooth with no additional setup required.
Options to transfer iPhone to Android
This is a small new update, but one that will certainly be welcomed by an iPhone user switching to Android.
With iOS 26.5, users can now choose which message attachments they want to transfer to their Android device when transferring data from their iPhone.
‘Pride Luminance’ wallpaper
The new Pride Luminance wallpaper for iPads and iPhones.
Credit: Apple
iOS 26.5 comes with a brand new iPhone wallpaper celebrating Pride Month.
Apple released a Pride Month wallpaper earlier. However, this marks the first time that Apple has released one as a live wallpaper. This is not a static background. The “Pride Luminance” wallpaper is animated and customizable, meaning users can create their own version of the wallpaper using 12 available colors.
A new Pride Luminance wallpaper that matches the new Pride Luminance watch face for Apple Watch in watchOS 26.5.
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