iOS 26.5 launched earlier this month with a variety of all-new features for users. Here are the new iOS 26.5 features that have been added to three popular iPhone apps.
#1: Messages
Apple’s Messages app received a significant upgrade in iOS 26.5 for RCS messaging.
RCS is the best messaging option for green bubble friends, offering many iMessage-like features that SMS doesn’t support.
And in iOS 26.5, Apple added end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging as a beta. According to Apple’s fine print:
End-to-end encryption is in beta and not available for all devices or carriers. Conversations labeled as encrypted are end-to-end encrypted, so messages cannot be read when sent between devices.
For more details on end-to-end encryption and to see which carriers support this feature, see this compatibility article here.
#2: Apple Cards
Apple Maps received a useful addition to the search screen in iOS 26.5.
“Suggested Places” is a new feature that recommends two places every time you tap the search box.
These suggestions are based on a few different factors:
- Trendy locations nearby
- Previous searches you have done
- “And more” according to Apple
I’ve really enjoyed this feature so far, as it seems like a perfect complement to the search screen. This doesn’t get in the way or clutter other parts of the app and is a great discovery aid.
Eventually, Apple says one of these “Suggested Places” locations could feature promoted locations (e.g., ads). But I’m still optimistic that this feature will be a net positive.
#3: App Store
The App Store just added a new option for in-app subscriptions.
Apple gives developers some flexibility in the subscription plans they offer, but the most popular tend to be monthly and annual plans. Monthly plans are by far the most common, but annual plans usually come with a nice discount.
With iOS 26.5, Apple started offering a new subscription option that is sort of a mix between these popular plans.
This is an annual subscription divided into 12 monthly payments. Or, as Apple puts it, a “monthly with 12 month commitment” plan. Presumably, this plan could entice more users to sign up for a year of service and receive a discount, while avoiding large upfront fees.
There’s one big asterisk, though: It’s currently available everywhere in the world except the United States and Singapore.
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