Apple launched iOS 26.5 on Monday, nearly seven weeks after releasing the large iOS 26.4 replace, which included new emoji, video podcasts and extra. Whereas iOS 26.5 is not as giant because the earlier replace, it contains end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, an up to date Maps app and greater than 50 bug fixes.
You possibly can obtain iOS 26.5 now by going to Settings and tapping Basic. Subsequent, choose Software program Replace, faucet Replace Now and comply with the prompts in your display.
Listed here are a number of the new options iOS 26.5 brings to your iPhone.
Finish-to-end encrypted RCS messaging returns
The iOS 26.5 replace lastly brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to your system. When Apple introduced RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one characteristic the messaging protocol was lacking was end-to-end encryption. Now, this privateness safety can be accessible in your iPhone.
To search out this setting, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and faucet the slider subsequent to Finish-to-Finish Encryption (Beta).
Apple says within the characteristic’s description that it is nonetheless in beta, and it really works solely on sure carriers and gadgets. In line with Apple, encrypted messages can be labeled, so it is best to know when your messages do and do not have this degree of safety.
Advertisements might arrive in Maps
Should you open your Maps app after downloading iOS 26.5, you will see a brand new splash display that asserts the arrival of adverts within the app.
“Maps could present native adverts based mostly in your approximate location, present search phrases, or view of the map whilst you search,” Apple says. “On your privateness, promoting info will not be linked to your Apple Account.”
Apple introduced Apple Enterprise in March, permitting corporations to attach with clients by way of Apple’s first-party apps, similar to Mail and Pockets. Apple Enterprise additionally lets corporations place native adverts in Maps. So you would begin seeing adverts in Maps for the espresso store down the road from your own home.
New sections and Recommended Locations in Maps
The iOS 26.5 replace additionally brings new sections and a brand new Recommended Locations menu to your Maps app. As soon as within the app, faucet the Search bar as in the event you’re trying up a close-by cafe or restaurant. You will see the brand new sections beneath the search bar, and Recommended Locations will seem beneath Recents.
New Pleasure Luminance wallpaper
Apple’s iOS 26.5 additionally brings a brand new Pleasure wallpaper to your system to rejoice LGBTQ+ communities forward of Pleasure Month. The brand new wallpaper, known as Pleasure Luminance, options vertical stripes that shift every time you unlock your system. You possibly can select 11 preset coloration palettes for this wallpaper, or create a customized coloration palette after deciding on it.
Month-to-month funds on annual subscriptions
The iOS 26.5 replace additionally introduces a brand new technique to pay for subscriptions within the App Retailer. Apple wrote on-line that builders can now provide month-to-month funds for 12-month subscriptions.
“This new fee choice means that you can provide subscribers extra reasonably priced choices,” Apple wrote.
Which means that if an app presents a yearly subscription at a reduction, you would subscribe to the annual plan on the decrease charge however pay month-to-month. Nevertheless, Apple stated that in the event you cancel your subscription earlier than it ends, you will need to proceed making funds till the tip of your settlement.
Dwell Actions on third-party equipment within the EU
In line with 9to5Mac, the iOS 26.5 replace additionally lets third-party equipment show Dwell Actions updates despatched from iPhones. Nevertheless, that is solely accessible on gadgets within the European Union.
Listed here are the total launch notes for iOS 26.5:
This replace contains the next enhancements:
- Finish-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is accessible with supported carriers and can roll out over time. For extra info go to: https://help.apple.com/109526.
- Pleasure Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colours, is accessible for obtain.
- Recommended Locations in Maps shows suggestions based mostly on what’s trending close by and your latest searches.
For extra iOS information, this is every part it is best to learn about end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in your system, iOS 26.4 and iOS 26.3. It’s also possible to take a look at our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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