The Release Candidate build went out to developers and public beta testers on 4 May 2026, and the public rollout is expected as early as the week of 11 May. Apple's release notes list three official additions, but the full picture reveals changes that will reshape how you text, search for places, and use your phone every day.
Here is the complete list of new features and what they mean for you.
The biggest addition in iOS 26.5 is encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging. The feature is still labelled 'beta' but Apple has confirmed it will ship in the final build. Until now, every text sent between an iPhone and an Android device has travelled without end-to-end encryption. That changes with this update.
The encryption is built on the GSMA's Universal Profile 3.0 standard, which uses the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol. Apple helped develop the specification, making RCS the first large-scale messaging service with interoperable encryption across platforms from different providers.
Encryption is on by default. Alock iconappears in the Messages app when a conversation is protected. But availability depends on carrier support, and Apple has not yet published which networks qualify. Group chats with Android users also remain unencrypted under this update.
Here is what that means for you.
iOS 26.5 introduces a 'Suggested Places' section in Apple Maps that surfaces recommendations based on nearby trends and your recent searches. It also opens the door to localised advertising for the first time.
Appleannounced the initiative in March through its Apple Business programme, which lets companies place ads at the top of Maps search results and within Suggested Places. The ads won't go live until later this summer, but iOS 26.5 installs the infrastructure.
Here is what that means for you.
Under the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple is extending iPhone features to third-party smartwatches and headphones. This includes notifications, Live Activities, and simplified pairing that previously worked only with Apple's own accessories.
Source: International Business Times UK
