Apple has officially rolled out the iOS 26.5 update for eligible iPhones, bringing a handful of meaningful additions focused on messaging security, Apple Maps improvements and new Pride-themed customisation options. The update arrives after weeks of beta testing and just days after Apple seeded the iOS 26.5 Release Candidate 2 update.
iOS 26.5 Stable Update Features
One of the biggest additions in iOS 26.5 is support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android users. Apple says encrypted RCS chats will now work on supported carriers, allowing cross-platform conversations to get a similar level of protection as iMessage chats. Encrypted conversations will display a lock icon and the feature is enabled by default for supported users.
The update also introduces a new Pride Luminance wallpaper for iPhones and iPads. This wallpaper includes dynamic colour effects and multiple customisation options that align with Apple's annual Pride collection rollout.
Additionally, as we already knew, Apple Maps is also getting smarter with iOS 26.5. The Cupertino giant has added a new "Suggested Places" feature that recommends nearby locations and destinations based on recent searches, user activity and trending places around them. Now, while we did see the groundwork for ads in Apple Maps being laid down in the iOS 26.5 Beta 2 update, it does not appear to be active yet.
Apart from this, the iOS 26.5 stable update includes several smaller tweaks and security fixes. Apple has patched more than 50 vulnerabilities with iOS 26.5, making it an important update from a security standpoint as well. The update also adds new options for transferring message attachments when moving from iPhone to Android, an Inuktitut keyboard layout and more.
That said, eligible users can head over to Settings -> General -> Software Update -> Update Now to get the stable iOS 26.5 update. You can also take a look at our dedicated guide on how to install iOS 26 beta on your iPhone for some additional help.
With this out of the way, Apple seems to be ready to shift its focus towards iOS 27, which is likely to be unveiled during WWDC 2026 next month.
