iOS 26.5 is here: How to get it, top new features

The latest update for iPhone users, iOS 26.5, is officially here.

The beta version of the update has been available to developers since about a month now, giving iPhone users a pretty good idea of what new features expect. However, as we’ve seen with previous iOS updates, features are frequently added or removed around the time of the public release – so now we know exactly what’s new in iOS 26.5.

First of all, iPhone users need to update their device to iOS 26.5. Along with new features, updating to the latest operating system 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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RCS end-to-end encryption

After updating to iOS 26.5, users will see a lock icon appear in RCS chats.
Credit: Apple

It’s official. After being tested in previous beta versions of iOS but failing to release the final version, encrypted RCS messaging is here.

RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is essentially the messaging protocol that provides an Apple Messages-like experience when iPhone users and Android users text each other. It allows iPhone and Android devices to send and receive high-quality media as well as display read receipts and keystroke indicators.

However, before this update, these messages between iPhone and Android devices were not encrypted, meaning they could potentially be intercepted and read by unauthorized third parties.

iOS 26.5 finally brings encryption to RCS messaging. It’s worth noting, however, that even though the feature made it to the public release of iOS 26.5, encrypted RCS messages are still classified as a beta feature by Apple. The availability of the feature also depends on your mobile carrier.

Yes, the green chat bubbles remain.

Apple Maps announcements and suggested locations

Nearly 13 and a half years after Apple launched its own Maps app, ads have appeared on Apple Maps. (As of this writing, the feature is still labeled “Coming Soon” on the Apple Ads website.)

Businesses will now be able to pay to advertise in the Apple Maps app, much like how app developers can run ads in the Apple App Store. Users will see local announcements in the Maps app based on their location.

The ads will also appear in another brand new Apple Maps feature called Suggested Places.

Apple has recruited advertisers for Apple Maps ads.
Credit: Apple

Although suggested places in Apple Maps provide users with recommendations based on paid ads, they will also produce organic recommendations. Suggested Places will show users nearby trending places, such as restaurants, shops, or tourist destinations, based on their recent search results.

USB-C accessory pairing

Do you want to use a Magic Mouse or Magic Keyboard with your iPhone? It’s easier than ever with iOS 26.5.

Simply connect the device to an iPhone via USB-C and the device will automatically pair with the iPhone.

This means that after the initial 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.

iPhone to Android Transfer Options

This is a small new update, but one that will surely be welcomed by an iPhone user moving to Android.

With iOS 26.5, users can now choose which attachments they want to transfer to their Android device when moving data from their iPhone.

“Pride Luminance” wallpaper

The new Pride Luminance background for iPad and iPhone.
Credit: Apple

iOS 26.5 is rolling out with a brand new iPhone wallpaper celebrating Pride Month.

Apple has already released the Pride Month wallpaper. However, this is the first time 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 the 12 available colors.

The new Pride Luminance wallpaper that matches the new Pride Luminance watch face for Apple Watch in watchOS 26.5.

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