Apple’s iOS 26.5 update adds encrypted RCS, new wallpapers, Maps suggestions, and security updates for older devices.

A new update from Apple makes some changes to iOS, including something users are calling "huge."

Apple’s iOS 26.5 update adds encrypted texting, eight emojis, accessibility updates and fresh Apple Music features for iPhone users. See what's new.

The iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates Apple released today address more than 50 security vulnerabilities, which means it's worth updating soon if you haven't done so already. Apple's security support document outlines all of the security updates included in the new software.

Ensure your iPhone runs smoothly on iOS 26.5 with these essential post-update steps, including Bluetooth fixes and app updates.

One of the most notable additions in iOS 26.5 is support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app. While it’s still technically labeled as a beta feature and limited to supported carriers, it’s the first step toward iPhone users being able to chat securely with their Android friends.

Your iPhone RCS chats with Android are encrypted in iOS 26.5: How to verify E2E is enabled

In addition to new features, Apple’s latest software updates also include security improvements, with over 50 fixes in iOS 26.5 alone.

Apple today seeded new release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming five days after the first RC. It's not clear what's changed in the second RC,

Users will reportedly be able to swap out existing controls and add a new row of settings, known as widgets.