Apple highlights 3 enhancements coming to iPhone with iOS 26.5
Source: 9to5Mac
Apple has released the first iOS 26.5 RC build, highlighting three enhancements coming to your iPhone. iOS 26.5 will likely be released to everyone next week.
iOS 26.5 release notes
Here are the official release notes for iOS 26.5, which detail three enhancements coming to your iPhone.
This update introduces end‑to‑end encrypted RCS (beta) messaging and a downloadable Pride Luminance wallpaper, along with enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates for your iPhone.
New features
- End‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.
- Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors, is available for download.
- Suggested Places in Maps displays recommendations based on what’s trending nearby and your recent searches.
Additional notes
Apple Maps is introducing ads, starting with the United States and Canada, but iOS 26.5 doesn’t automatically bring ads to the app. Apple will launch the program later this summer.
A new watch face is also coming to Apple Watch as part of iOS 26.5 and watchOS 26.5. See the new wallpaper and watch face here.
Looking ahead, Apple is preparing to unveil iOS 27, which is expected to focus on Siri and Apple Intelligence, in just a little over a month’s time.