What's new in iOS 26.5

iOS 26.5 is finally here, and it packs absolutely everything you need to know into a quick update. The team shipped some major messaging upgrades you've been waiting for, a fresh look for your screen, and a few quiet changes under the hood. Let's dive in.

Secure texting with Android users

iPhone to Android messages can now be fully end-to-end encrypted through RCS. This basically means that texting your friends on Android devices will become much safer, more private, and entirely secure.

New Pride Luminance wallpapers

Apple also added dynamic Pride Luminance wallpapers to give your device a fresh look. These feature a brand-new liquid glass style that matches the overall iOS 26 aesthetic.

AI-powered suggestions in Apple Maps

Apple Maps is getting smarter, too. It now uses new AI-powered suggested places that tailor recommendations based on where you go and what you search for.

It is also important to note that Apple quietly laid the foundation for ads inside of Apple Maps with this release.

A few more under-the-hood fixes

Beyond the shiny new features, iOS 26.5 includes some standard housekeeping to keep your device running smoothly:

Battery life improvements
General bug fixes
The latest security and privacy updates

How to get set up

Ready to grab the new features? Updating your iPhone takes just a few taps.

Open your Settings app.
Scroll down and tap General.
Tap Software Update.
Tap Update Now to start the download.

Over to you

That's a wrap on iOS 26.5. It's a solid update that finally bridges the messaging security gap between iOS and Android. Go explore the new features, try out a new wallpaper, and enjoy the smoother experience. Do you plan on updating right away? Let us know!