iOS 26.5 arrives soon. Here are the new features to know.

Source: Mashable Tech

Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 26.5 has just been released for developers. Typically, this means the latest public version of iOS is just around the corner.

So, what new features should iPhone users expect in iOS 26.5? Let’s take a look at what’s new.

Apple Maps: Ads and Suggested Places

Two new features are coming to Apple Maps with the release of iOS 26.5:

• Ads – Apple is adding clearly labeled advertisements to Apple Maps. Businesses will be able to run paid ads that appear in search results and in the Suggested Places section, based on a user’s location. Apple is actively seeking advertisers for the platform.
• Suggested Places – This section will provide recommendations based on a user’s recent searches and the searches of nearby Apple Maps users. Ads may also appear here, but the space is primarily for contextual suggestions.

RCS end‑to‑end encryption

RCS (Rich Communication Services) enables high‑quality media, read receipts, and typing indicators when iPhone users message Android users.

With iOS 26.5, Apple introduces end‑to‑end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages. The feature is enabled by default, but users can toggle it on or off in Settings → Messages → End‑to‑End Encryption. Encrypted RCS messages cannot be read by third parties.

Other new features

• Automatic Bluetooth pairing for accessories – When a user connects an Apple accessory such as the Magic Keyboard via USB‑C, the iPhone will automatically also connect via Bluetooth.
• Selective message‑attachment transfer – During a transfer from iPhone to Android, users can now choose which message attachments to include: all, the past year, or the past 30 days.
• Apple Books Trophies and Medals – A new feature that rewards users based on their audiobooks and reading habits.
• Pride wallpaper – A new iPhone wallpaper celebrating Pride, matching the previously announced Apple Watch Pride band and watch face.
• EU Digital Markets Act compliance – Potential support for third‑party headphones and smartwatches with notifications, Live Activities, and AirPods pairing. This change has appeared in beta builds but has not yet been confirmed for the public release.

Looking ahead, iOS 27 is expected later this year, with more details likely to be revealed at WWDC 2026 in June.