iOS 26.5 release date, features, eligible devices and everything else we know so far
Follow UsApple may roll out iOS 26.5 around mid-May with small updates after testing.
The update could bring safer messaging (RCS encryption) and changes in Apple Maps like ads and suggestions.
It may also include a new Pride wallpaper and a few general improvements for better compatibility.
Apple is gearing up to launch its next iteration of software upgrade, the iOS 26.5, following a month-long beta-testing period. While the upcoming upgrade doesn’t promise any groundbreaking change, rumours suggest that it will have a few interesting changes for iPhone users. Apple is anticipated to bring significant improvements in the messaging security and Apple Maps departments. Moreover, it’s also said to bring some new wallpapers to celebrate Pride Month, along with other minor upgrades. Furthermore, Apple has found a way to lay the groundwork for future compatibility changes, particularly in markets such as the EU.
SurveyiOS 26.5: Expected feature
iOS 26.5 is expected to bring many changes, and here are some of the changes users can expect:
1. End-to-end encryption for RCS messaging
Apple is also expected to roll out end-to-end encryption for RCS messages with the upcoming iOS 26.5 update. After deployment, the messages exchanged between compatible iPhone and Android devices will remain confidential during transmission. Moreover, the only people who would be able to access or read the messages will be the ones who shared or received them.
The feature was previously tested in a beta release but did not make its way into iOS 26.4. It now appears that iOS 26.5 will incorporate the feature once it is finally released by Apple.
2. Ads and suggested places in Apple Maps
Apple Maps is also getting a noticeable change with the introduction of ads and a new suggested places section. Businesses in the United States and Canada will soon be able to promote their listings within search results.
These ads will appear at the top of search results and inside the suggested places section, which highlights trending spots based on user activity and preferences. Apple has said that ads will be clearly labelled and that user privacy will remain protected, with no direct link between ads and personal Apple accounts.
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3. New Pride wallpaper
To mark Pride Month, Apple is adding a new Pride-themed wallpaper in iOS 26.5. The design features bright and lively colours and includes customisation options. It is intended to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities worldwide and aligns with Apple’s annual Pride collection.
4. Other minor improvements
Other than the above-mentioned changes, iOS 26.5 will also include some minor updates. Rumours suggest Apple may be working on extending features like notifications and device pairing to third-party accessories in the European Union to comply with regulatory requirements and improve compatibility across devices.
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iOS 26.5: Release date (Expected)
While the company has not provided an official timeline for the release of the upcoming iOS 26.5. Leaks and rumours suggest that Apple iPhone users might receive the iOS 26.5 starting May 11 or May 12.
iOS 26.5: Eligible devices
The following iPhones are expected to receive the iOS 26.5 update:
- iPhone SE (2nd & 3rd generation)
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 16e
- iPhone 17 series
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17e
