Apple highlights 3 improvements coming to iPhone with iOS 26.5

Apple has released the first version of iOS 26.5 RC, highlighting three improvements coming to your iPhone. iOS 26.5 will likely be available to everyone next week.

iOS 26.5 Release Notes

Here are the official release notes for iOS 26.5, which detail three improvements coming to your iPhone.

First of all, there is the general description of what’s new in iOS 26.5 for iPhone users:

This update introduces end-to-end encrypted RCS (beta) messaging and a downloadable Pride Luminance wallpaper, as well as improvements, bug fixes, and security updates to your iPhone..

Next, Apple highlights these changes in more detail:

• End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available from supported carriers and will roll out over time.
• Pride Luminance wallpaper which dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors is available for download.
• Suggested Places in Maps displays recommendations based on nearby trends and your recent searches.

We also know that Apple Maps is introducing ads, starting with the US and Canada, but iOS 26.5 doesn’t automatically introduce ads into the app. Instead, Apple will launch the program later this summer.

Apple is also bringing a new watch face to Apple Watch as part of iOS 26.5 and watchOS 26.5. Check out the new wallpaper and watch face here.

Looking ahead, Apple is preparing to unveil iOS 27, which is expected to focus on Siri and Apple Intelligence, in just over a month.