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iOS 26.5 is here: How to get it, top new features

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The latest update for iPhone users, iOS 26.5, is officially here.

The beta version of the update has been available for developers for about a month now, giving iPhone users a pretty good idea of what new features to expect. However, as we've seen with previous iOS updates, features frequently get added or removed by the time the public version launches — so now we know exactly what's news in iOS 26.5.

First things first, iPhone users need to update their device to iOS 26.5. Besides the new features, updating to the latest OS ensures your device is protected with the latest security updates. To upgrade to iOS 26.5, simply go to Settings, then tap General, followed by Software Update. 

Users must have an iPhone 11 or newer in order to download and install iOS 26.5 to their device.

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RCS end-to-end encryption

a new lock symbol will appear on apple rcs messages
After updating to iOS 26.5, users will see a lock icon appear in RCS chats. Credit: Apple

It's official. After being tested in previous beta versions of iOS but failing to make the final release, encrypted RCS messaging is here.

RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is basically the messaging protocol that provides an Apple Messages-like experience when iPhone users and Android users text one another. It enables iPhone and Android devices the ability to send and receive high-quality media as well as view read receipts and typing indicators. 

However, before this update, these messages between iPhone and Android devices were unencrypted, meaning that they could potentially be intercepted and read by unauthorized third parties.

iOS 26.5 finally brings encryption to RCS messaging. It should be noted, though, that even though the feature has made it to the public release of iOS 26.5, encrypted RCS messages are still labeled as a beta feature by Apple. The availability of the feature is also dependent on your mobile carrier as well.

Yes, the green chat bubbles remain.

Apple Maps ads and Suggested Places

Nearly 13 and a half years after Apple launched its very own Maps application, advertisements have made their way to Apple Maps. (As of this writing, the feature is still labeled as "Coming Soon" on the Apple Ads website.)

Businesses will now be able to pay to advertise in the Apple Maps app, much like how app developers can run ads in Apple's App Store. Users will see local ads in the Maps app based on their location.

Ads will also appear in another brand-new Apple Maps feature called Suggested Places.

ads in apple maps on iphone screen
Apple has been recruiting advertisers for Apple Maps ads. Credit: Apple

While Suggested Places in Apple Maps will provide users with recommendations based on paid ads, it will also produce organic recommendations as well. Suggested Places will show users nearby trending locations, such as restaurants, shops, or tourist destinations, based on their recent search results.

USB-C accessory pairing

Want to use a Magic Mouse or Magic Keyboard with your iPhone? It's easier than ever before with iOS 26.5.

Simply connect the peripheral device to an iPhone via USB-C, and the device will automatically pair with the iPhone.

This means that after the initial pairing, users can simply unplug the USB-C cable and use the Magic Mouse or Magic Keyboard with their iPhone over Bluetooth without an additional required setup.

iPhone to Android transfer options

This is a small new update, but one that will surely be welcomed by an iPhone user making the switch to Android.

With iOS 26.5, users can now choose which message attachments they want to transfer to their Android device when moving data from their iPhone.

'Pride Luminance' wallpaper

pride luminance wallpaper on ipad and iphone
The new Pride Luminance background for iPads and iPhones. Credit: Apple

iOS 26.5 rolls out with a brand new iPhone wallpaper celebrating Pride Month.

Apple has released Pride Month wallpaper before. However, this marks the first time Apple has released one as a motion wallpaper. This isn't a static background. The "Pride Luminance" wallpaper is animated and customizable, meaning users can create their own version of the wallpaper using the 12 available colors.

The new Pride Luminance wallpaper that matches the new Pride Luminance watch face for Apple Watch in watchOS 26.5.

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