Download iOS 26.5 Now to Bring End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging to Your iPhone

Apple launched iOS 26.5 on May 11, almost two months after the mass release iOS 26.4 update, which included new emojivideo podcasts and more. Although iOS 26.5 is not as big as the previous update, it does include End-to-end encrypted RCS messagingan updated Maps app and over 50 bug fixes.

You can download iOS 26.5 now by going to Settings and typing General. Then select Software updatefaucet Update now and follow the prompts on your screen.

Here are some of the new features that iOS 26.5 brings to your iPhone.

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging on your device

The iOS 26.5 update brings End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging on your iPhone. When Apple added RCS Messaging has iOS 18One feature that the messaging protocol lacked was end-to-end encryption. Now this privacy protection will be available on your iPhone.

To find this setting, go to Settings > Applications > Messages > RCS Messaging and search End-to-end encryption (beta). Apple wrote online that this feature is enabled by default, but if it’s not on your device, tap the slider next to this option.

Apple says in the feature’s description that it’s still in beta and only works on select carriers and devices. According to Apple, encrypted messages are labeled, so you need to know when your messages do or do not have this level of protection.

Ads could arrive in Maps

If you open your Maps app after downloading iOS 26.5, you’ll see a new splash screen announcing the arrival of ads in the app.

“Maps can serve local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search,” Apple explains. “For your privacy, advertising information is not linked to your Apple account.”

Apple announced Apple Business in March, allowing businesses to connect with customers through Apple’s proprietary apps, such as Mail and Wallet. Apple Business also lets businesses show local ads in Maps. You might start seeing ads in Maps for the coffee shop near you.

New sections and suggested places in Maps

The iOS 26.5 update also brings new Suggested Places sections and menu to your Maps app. Once in the app, tap the search bar as if you were looking for a nearby cafe or restaurant. You will see the new sections below the search bar, and Suggested places will appear below Recent.

New Pride Luminance Wallpaper

Apple’s iOS 26.5 also brings a new Pride wallpaper to your device to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities ahead of Pride Month. The new wallpaper, called Pride Luminance, features vertical stripes that change every time you unlock your device. You can choose 11 predefined color palettes for this wallpaper or create a custom color palette after selecting it.

Monthly payments on annual subscriptions

The iOS 26.5 update also introduces a new way to pay for subscriptions in the App Store. Apple wrote online that developers can now offer monthly payments for 12-month subscriptions.

“This new payment option allows you to offer subscribers more affordable options,” Apple wrote.

This means that if an app offers a discounted annual plan, you can sign up for the annual plan at the lower rate but pay monthly. However, Apple has stated that if you cancel your subscription before it ends, you will need to continue making payments until your agreement ends.

Live Activities on Third-Party Accessories in the EU

According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 26.5 update also allows third-party accessories to view live activity updates sent from iPhones. However, this feature is only available on devices in the European Union.

Here are the full release notes for iOS 26.5:

This update includes the following improvements:

• End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available from supported carriers and will roll out over time. For more information, visit: https://support.apple.com/109526.
• Pride Luminance wallpaper which dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors is available for download.
• Suggested places in Maps show recommendations based on nearby trends and your recent searches.

For more iOS news, here’s everything you need to know End-to-end encrypted RCS messages on your device, iOS 26.4 And iOS 26.3. You can also view our iOS 26 Cheat Sheet and why you shouldn’t panic if your the battery drains faster after updating your device.