Apple has released iOS 26.5 after a few months of beta testing, and while it doesn't include the Siri features everyone's been waiting for, there are several useful changes and improvements.
iOS 26.5: The improvements Apple brings with the new version
End-to-end encryption for RCS messages
The company is bringing support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhones and Android devices. This means that messages sent to Android devices can now have the same security as iMessages exchanged with another iPhone user.
Encrypted RCS messages are available on supported carriers and will be rolling out gradually. For conversations to be encrypted, both the recipient and sender must be using a carrier that supports the latest version of RCS.
Encryption is enabled by default , and the user can make changes (if desired) in the Messages section of the Settings app . Encrypted messages are identified by a small lock symbol.
See also: Apple fixes serious security vulnerabilities
Apple Maps
The Maps app includes a new “Suggested Places” feature that suggests places to visit based on recent searches and trends in the user’s area.
iOS 26.5 also laid the groundwork for ads in the Maps app, but these are not yet live.
Wallpaper
iOS 26.5 includes a new colorful Pride Luminance that can be customized with multiple color options.
EU Changes for Third-Party Wearable Devices
To comply with the EU Digital Markets Act, Apple is allowing third-party wearables to access certain features that were historically limited to Apple Watch and AirPods. Specifically, the following features are now available:
- Proximity pairing: headphones can use proximity pairing to connect to an iPhone, similar to AirPods. Bringing a set of headphones that support the feature near an iPhone will initiate a one-tap pairing process (rather than requiring multiple steps like before).
- Live Activities: Live Activities from your iPhone can be displayed on a third-party wearable, similar to how Live Activities appear on an Apple Watch.
- iPhone notifications: Third-party accessories, such as smartwatches, can receive notifications from the iPhone, and users can view and react to them. Interactive notifications from the iPhone were limited to the Apple Watch, while third-party devices could only display read notifications. Notifications can only be pushed to one connected device at a time, so enabling notifications for a third-party wearable disables notifications on the Apple Watch.
See also: Apple may improve color correction capabilities
Accessory manufacturers will need to add support for interoperability updates, so they may not be available immediately. Third-party TVs, smartwatches, and headphones will be able to use the features.
Expanded support for third-party wearables is limited to iPhone users located in the European Union with an Apple account set up in an EU country or region.
Transfer from iPhone to Android
When switching from an iPhone to an Android device, there's a new setting for choosing which message attachments to transfer. There are options for All, 1 year, or 30 days.
Apple Books
There are reports of new awards in the Apple Books app, which likely pertain to annual reviews.
Keyboard Layout
iOS 26.5 features an Inuktitut.
Security Patches
iOS 26.5 addresses more than 50 vulnerabilities, so applying the update immediately is essential to get the latest protections.
With iOS 26.5, Apple may not yet be delivering the next generation of Siri features that users have been waiting for, but it is taking a significant step towards strengthening security, interoperability and the overall user experience in its ecosystem. The addition of end-to-end encryption to RCS messages, new capabilities for third-party wearables in the European Union and more than 50 security fixes show that the company is focused on more substantial infrastructure and data protection. At the same time, changes to Maps and expanded compatibility with Android devices reveal a more open strategy towards competing platforms.
See also: The next Apple Watch models will probably not have Touch ID
iOS 26.5 essentially acts as a “transitional” version that paves the way for bigger announcements in the future, especially in the area of artificial intelligence and Apple’s smart services. Until then, the company is attempting to enhance the reliability and security of the iPhone, emphasizing features that directly impact daily use. For users, installing the update is considered particularly important, not only for the new features but mainly for the critical security fixes that accompany the new version.
