Apple’s iOS 26.5 update adds encrypted RCS, new wallpapers, Maps suggestions, and security updates for older devices.

Apple today released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, the newest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems. The software comes nearly two months after Apple released iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

iOS 26.5 is now available to everyone after six weeks of beta testing. The update adds fresh wallpapers, new features to Apple Maps, and more. Perhaps most notably, iOS 26.5 adds support for end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. Apple says the feature ...

Apple releases iOS 26.5 with a breakthrough in cross-platform privacy: end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone and Android users.

Apple's iOS 26.5 introduces new security features, subscription options and Maps enhancements, marking a significant update in the iPhone's software evolution.

OS 26.5’s RC is available now, and Apple has confirmed that the update will bring a key RCS upgrade we’ve been waiting for.

OS 26.5 RC adds end to end encryption for RCS messaging with the beta feature, tightening chat security for supported threads.

With today's release of iOS 26.5, Apple has begun rolling out beta support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging. As with all things RCS, there are some basic requirements both you and the recipient of your messages will need to fulfill before you messages are secured in transit.

OS 26.5 is now rolling out to iPhones everywhere, adding new features like end-to-end RCS encryption and Suggested Places in the Maps app.