Two new features are coming to Apple Maps with the release of iOS 26.5 — that is, if you consider the introduction of ads on the platform a

Apple’s iOS 26.5 release candidate points to RCS encryption, Maps ad changes, EU device support, and App Store subscription updates.

Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 for iPhone users, introducing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging support in beta, a new dynamic Pride wallpaper, and smarter Apple Maps recommendations. The update also includes several behind-the-scenes improvements ahead of Apples expected iOS 27 reveal at WWDC 2026 next month.

Apple’s iOS 26.5 update adds encrypted texting, eight emojis, accessibility updates and fresh Apple Music features for iPhone users. See what's new.

OS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below.

Apple rolled out iOS 26.5 to everyone, adding features such as end-to-end RCS encryption and improvements to Apple Maps and the App Store.

Apple still isn't done with iOS 26, as the first developer beta of iOS 26.6 adds a new contact-related alert, better protection for Apple Maps users, and more. Tuesday's software update increases the build number to 23G5028e, up from the 23F77 build number ...