Apple has officially seeded the release candidate version of iOS 26.5 to developers and beta testers, signaling that the final public version is likely just days away.
While this isn’t a massive overhaul, it brings several quality-of-life improvements, important security patches for cross-platform texting, and some significant changes for users in the European Union.
Here is everything you can expect when the update hits your device.
Better security for green bubbles
The privacy gap between iPhone and Android users has been a pain point for years. iOS 26.5 aims to close that by finally stabilizing end-to-end encryption for RCS (Rich Communication Services). This ensures that when you text your friends on Android, your messages stay between you and them.
While Apple experimented with this in previous betas, it was pulled before reaching the public. This time, it appears ready for prime time.
In its release notes, Apple said end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages “is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.” Encryption is opt-in; users can find the toggle under Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging, and encrypted conversations will be labeled so you always know when the protection is active.
Apple Maps is getting ads
If you’ve been enjoying a clean, ad-free Maps experience, enjoy the last few weeks of it. Apple announced back in March that localized advertising is coming to Apple Maps in the US and Canada, and iOS 26.5 is laying the infrastructure for that.
The update introduces a new “Suggested Places” section in Maps that surfaces recommendations based on trending nearby locations and a user’s recent searches. Ads will appear in search results and at the top of that section.
Apple is at pains to stress the privacy angle. Per Apple’s description in the iOS 26.5 release notes, “advertising information is not linked to your Apple Account,” meaning your location data and ad interactions won’t be tied to your Apple ID. The ads will carry an “Ad” label, similar to how sponsored results work in the App Store.
The actual ad program, called Apple Business, won’t go live until later this summer, even after iOS 26.5 ships, according to 9to5Mac. So the section will arrive before the ads do.
A new Pride wallpaper with a dynamic design
In line with its annual tradition, Apple is adding a new Pride-themed wallpaper to iPhones. The Pride Luminance wallpaper features shifting colors and customizable elements. Apple describes it as a “joyful, vibrant design to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities worldwide during Pride Month and beyond.”
The wallpaper is dynamic, meaning it changes appearance when users interact with their device, and offers multiple variations for personalization.
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Changes for EU users and third-party devices
In compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple is also expanding support for third-party devices.
This includes enabling features such as notifications, Live Activities, and simplified pairing for non-Apple smartwatches and headphones, bringing them closer to the experience typically reserved for Apple’s ecosystem.
Subscription flexibility
Beyond aesthetics, the App Store is getting a helpful financial tweak. Developers can now offer monthly payment plans for annual subscriptions. This means you can lock in the cheaper yearly rate but pay it off in twelve smaller installments, though you are committed to the full year once you sign up.
Minor additions and what’s next
Other smaller tweaks include enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates. Some reports also point to broader integrations, including chatbot access in CarPlay interfaces, though availability may vary.
With iOS 26.5 nearly out the door, attention is already shifting to iOS 27, which is expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks with a stronger focus on Siri and AI-driven features.
Also read: Apple may drop iOS 27 support for the iPhone 11 lineup and 2020 iPhone SEpotentially leaving those devices without the next major update.