iOS 26.5 may be small, but it hides some incredible new features

With WWDC less than a month away, Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 for all iPhone users, and while it’s not a major update, it introduces many long-awaited tweaks and improvements, as well as new options for customizing the look of your iPhone or iPad.

From cryptic RCS messages to controversial changes to Maps and a beautiful new Pride wallpaper, here’s everything that’s new in iOS 26.5.

Encrypted RCS messaging

One of the most notable additions in iOS 26.5 is support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app. While it’s still technically classified as a beta feature and limited to supported carriers, it’s the first step toward allowing iPhone users to securely chat with their Android friends.

Apple had previously tested encrypted RCS during the iOS 26.4 beta cycle, but the feature did not make it to the general release. Now it is officially rolling out to users.

Foundry

RCS already brings iMessage-like improvements, such as better multimedia quality, typing indicators, and read receipts when messaging for Android users. With end-to-end encryption, Apple closes one of the biggest privacy gaps between iPhone and cross-platform conversations.

That said, availability varies depending on carrier support, so not everyone will see it right away. However, all three major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) are already testing it in beta, so it shouldn’t be long. You can enable encrypted RCS messages by going to Settings > Applications > Messages > RCS Messaging.

Pride Luminance Wallpaper

As part of its annual Pride collection, Apple is introducing a new “Pride Luminance” wallpaper in iOS 26.5. There’s nothing new about this – Apple has released a new wallpaper to celebrate Pride Month for years – but this year’s design takes it to a new level.

Pride Luminance is not just a static background. The wallpaper dynamically refracts colors when you move or unlock your iPhone, creating a subtle animated effect.

Foundry

Even more interesting, it is highly customizable. Users can create their own version of the wallpaper by choosing from up to 12 different colors, making it one of the most flexible system wallpapers Apple has ever created.

Not only that, but Apple Watch users will also find a new Pride Luminance watch face in watchOS 26.5 that matches the new wallpaper perfectly.

Apple Maps gets suggested places (and ads)

Foundry

iOS 26.5 also introduces a new “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps. This section displays recommendations based on nearby trends, as well as your recent searches. On the surface, it’s a discovery feature designed to help users find new restaurants, stores, and points of interest.

But it also marks something more significant: the introduction of ads to Apple Maps.

Businesses can now pay to have their locations promoted in search results, which means some of the suggestions you see may be sponsored. According to the company, privacy remains a top priority. Advertisements will not be linked to users and advertisers will not be able to target specific groups of users, Apple promises.

Apple didn’t make much of it in its release notes, but it represents a notable change for the platform.

Easier accessory pairing via USB-C

Foundry

Another small but very handy improvement is a new way to pair Apple accessories such as the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.

With iOS 26.5, you can simply connect these devices to your iPhone or iPad using a USB-C cable, and they will pair automatically. After that you can disconnect the cable and they continue to work wirelessly via Bluetooth.

It’s a simple change, but one that removes friction, especially for users who rely on these accessories with multiple devices.

Improvements for switching from iPhone to Android

Following the introduction of a new tool that makes it easier to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android device with iOS 26.3, Apple is now offering a bit more choice to users.

With iOS 26.5, the iPhone to Android transfer process now allows users to choose which message attachments they want to keep for more control over what gets moved, instead of forcing a full transfer of all media.

EU-exclusive features continue to grow

As expected, iOS 26.5 includes additional changes specific to certain regions of the European Union.

With this update, users can mirror not only notifications but also live activities on non-Apple devices. iOS 26.5 also extends the same quick pairing experience from AirPods to third-party accessories.

Unfortunately, since this is a requirement of European law, these features are not available to iPhone users in the rest of the world.

App markets arrive in Brazil

Foundry

Following similar changes in the EU and Japan, iOS 26.5 lays the foundation for alternative app markets in Brazil.

Although the feature is not yet available to users, the update includes the necessary system support for distributing third-party apps outside of the App Store. This means that iPhone users in Brazil will soon be able to download apps from alternative app stores, another international shift driven by local regulatory changes.

Update your iPhone now

In addition to these features, iOS 26.5 also includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and security updates. That’s why it’s always important to keep your devices up to date with the latest software.

That said, this is likely the last iOS 26 update before WWDC 2026, where Apple is expected to give a preview of what’s coming in iOS 27.

You can install iOS 26.5 by going to Settings > General > Software update. The update is available for iPhone 11 and later.