Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26.5 for iPhone users. While developers have had access to the beta build for several weeks, offering an early glimpse at the upcoming additions, the final public release confirms which features have ultimately made the cut. As with most iOS updates, some tools and functions changed during testing before the stable version went live.
As with previous updates in the iOS 26 lineup, the new release is compatible with iPhones launched from 2019 onwards. This includes the entire iPhone 11 range and newer models. Apple has also extended support to the second- and third-generation iPhone SE, alongside every device in the iPhone 17 family, including the recently introduced iPhone 17e and iPhone Air.
How To Download iOS 26.5?
The update can be installed directly through the iPhone's Settings menu. After opening Settings, users should go to General and then Software Update, where the Download and Install option will be available.
iOS 26.5: Top New Features
Here are some of the features you can use upon getting iOS 26.5 on your iPhone:
End-To-End RCS Encryption
The tech giant started testing encrypted RCS messaging earlier this year, but the feature missed the iOS 26.4 rollout. With iOS 26.5, Apple has introduced a beta capability that improves privacy for chats between iPhone and Android devices. Users updating to the latest software will notice encrypted labels on compatible conversations, indicating that messages are protected during delivery.
Ads And Suggested Places In Apple Maps
Advertisements are set to appear within Apple Maps' newly introduced Suggested Places section. The feature will not rely solely on paid promotions, as it will also recommend trending local destinations organically, including eateries, shops and visitor hotspots linked to users' search activity.
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App Store Purchase Options
With iOS 26.5, Apple is rolling out a fresh subscription option aimed at both developers and consumers. The update allows developers to provide yearly plans that are billed monthly rather than upfront. This means users could commit to a 12-month subscription while paying the cost in smaller instalments over the course of the year.
The change is expected to help developers make subscriptions more accessible by reducing the upfront cost for users. Apple's release notes state that developers can now offer a billing option described as a monthly payment plan tied to a 12-month commitment.
USB-C Connectivity
Apple has streamlined accessory pairing in iOS 26.5, allowing users to connect a Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse with minimal effort. A simple USB-C connection is enough to initiate wireless functionality across supported iPhones and iPads.
Data Transfer From iPhone To Android
The newest update brings a convenient addition for users planning to move to Android. iOS 26.5 now lets users customise which message attachments are carried over as part of the transfer process.
'Pride Luminance' Wallpaper
Apple has added a fresh Pride Month wallpaper to iOS 26.5, marking the company's first animated Pride-themed background for the iPhone. The new “Pride Luminance” wallpaper is dynamic and customisable, allowing users to create their own colour combinations from 12 available shades. The release also aligns with a matching Apple Watch face introduced in watchOS 26.5.
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