Discover the Latest iPhone Enhancements with iOS 26.5 Update

After an extensive six-week beta testing period, iOS 26.5 is now accessible to all users. This update brings forth several new features and modifications. Here’s a comprehensive insight into what you can expect.

Updated May 12, 2026 with details regarding the official release.

iOS 26.5 details

iOS 26.5 is now officially available for download. iPhone users can navigate to the Settings app, select General, and then proceed to Software Update to initiate the installation process.

iOS 26.5 features and changes

New wallpapers

iOS 26.5 introduces a fresh array of wallpapers for iPhone users. These new wallpapers are part of Apple’s 2026 Pride collection, offering highly customizable options with a myriad of color combinations to choose from.

According to Apple, the Pride Luminance wallpaper showcases colors that dynamically refract to celebrate the vibrancy, spirit, and individuality of the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a joyful and dynamic design for iPhone users, complementing the Pride band for Apple Watch and a matching Apple Watch face.

Learn more: iOS 26.5 brings stunning wallpapers for your iPhone – here’s what’s new

Apple Maps: Suggested Places, ads coming soon

Apple recently announced its plans to introduce ads to Apple Maps in the upcoming months. iOS 26.5 sets the stage for this change, adding the following message: “Maps may display local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or map view during searches.”

However, as of iOS 26.5, Apple has yet to implement ads on Apple Maps.

iOS 26.5 also unveils a new Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps. This feature will showcase recommendations based on trending locations nearby, the user’s recent searches, and more.

RCS encryption

Apple initiated testing for end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging with iOS 26.4. Although the feature was not included in that update, Apple assured its arrival in a forthcoming iOS 26 release.

Now, with the introduction of iOS 26.5, RCS end-to-end encryption is rolling out to all users. This feature is activated by default and can be managed by navigating to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging, where a new “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” toggle can be found.

You can access a list of carriers supporting RCS end-to-end encryption on this webpage. The feature will be gradually deployed over the next few months. Even if a carrier is listed as supporting the feature, it may not be instantly available to all users of that carrier.

If RCS encryption is enabled on your device, a lock icon will be displayed at the top of the thread in the Messages app.

Learn more: iOS 26.5 brings end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, now rolling out

App Store purchase options

iOS 26.5 introduces new purchase options in the App Store. This includes the ability for developers to offer monthly billing with a 12-month commitment. This billing model is common across various app store platforms and subscription services.

• “You can access pricing details for subscriptions with a monthly billing plan requiring a 12-month commitment…”
• “You can define the billing plan type for subscriptions with a monthly billing plan requiring a 12-month commitment…”

Apple elaborated on this update in a developer announcement:

Today, we’re introducing a new way for users to pay for your auto-renewable subscriptions on the App Store: monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment. This new payment option enables you to provide subscribers with more cost-effective choices. Users can cancel their subscription at any time, preventing it from renewing after completing the agreed-upon payments to fulfill their commitment.

For transparency, users can easily monitor the number of completed and remaining payments for the subscription in their Apple Account. Apple will also send email and, if opted in, push notifications prior to the renewal date to remind users of their upcoming purchase.

Interestingly, this option will be accessible in the App Store globally, except in the United States or Singapore. Apple has not provided a reason for this exclusion.

EU changes

Continuing the trend of updates for iPhone users in the EU, iOS 26.5 introduces Live Activities support for third-party accessories. This feature enables accessories to receive and display Live Activities from an iPhone.

Furthermore, there are ongoing developments for notifications and proximity pairing for third-party accessories. Third-party audio switching is also in progress.

Magic pairing

With iOS 26.5, pairing a Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse to your iPhone or iPad is now simplified. When you connect any of these accessories via USB-C, they will remain connected via Bluetooth upon unplugging, eliminating the need for manual pairing through the Settings app.

More iOS 26.5 changes

iOS 26.5 introduces several minor updates:

• New Inuktitut keyboard layout
• Apple Books Features: Teasers for new “Year In Review for 2026” features in Apple Books, including titles and medals for achievements such as The Loyal Reader, Reading Royalty, The Power Reader, and more.
• Data Transfer Options: Enhanced options for sharing message attachments when transferring data from iPhone to Android – None, 30 days, 1 year,
  
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