Apple launched iOS 26.5 on Monday, almost seven weeks after releasing the massive iOS 26.4 update, which included new emoji, video podcasts and more. While iOS 26.5 isn’t as large as the previous update, it includes end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, an updated Maps app and more than 50 bug fixes. 

You can download iOS 26.5 now by going to Settings and tapping General. Next, select Software Update, tap Update Now and follow the prompts on your screen.

Here are some of the new features iOS 26.5 brings to your iPhone. 

End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging returns

The iOS 26.5 update finally brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to your device. When Apple brought RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one feature the messaging protocol was missing was end-to-end encryption. Now, this privacy protection will be available on your iPhone.

To find this setting, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and tap the slider next to End-to-End Encryption (Beta). 

Apple says in the feature’s description that it’s still in beta, and it works only on certain carriers and devices. According to Apple, encrypted messages will be labeled, so you should know when your messages do and don’t have this level of protection.

Ads could arrive in Maps

If you open your Maps app after downloading iOS 26.5, you’ll see a new splash screen that announces the arrival of ads in the app. 

“Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search,” Apple says. “For your privacy, advertising information is not linked to your Apple Account.”

Apple announced Apple Business in March, allowing companies to connect with customers through Apple’s first-party apps, such as Mail and Wallet. Apple Business also lets companies place local ads in Maps. So you could start seeing ads in Maps for the coffee shop down the street from your home.

New sections and Suggested Places in Maps

The iOS 26.5 update also brings new sections and a new Suggested Places menu to your Maps app. Once in the app, tap the Search bar as if you’re looking up a nearby cafe or restaurant. You’ll see the new sections under the search bar, and Suggested Places will appear below Recents.

New Pride Luminance wallpaper

Apple’s iOS 26.5 also brings a new Pride wallpaper to your device to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities ahead of Pride Month. The new wallpaper, called Pride Luminance, features vertical stripes that shift each time you unlock your device. You can choose 11 preset color palettes for this wallpaper, or create a custom color palette after selecting it.

Monthly payments on annual subscriptions

The iOS 26.5 update also introduces a new way to pay for subscriptions in the App Store. Apple wrote online that developers can now offer monthly payments for 12-month subscriptions. 

“This new payment option allows you to offer subscribers more affordable options,” Apple wrote. 

This means that if an app offers a yearly subscription at a discount, you could subscribe to the annual plan at the lower rate but pay month-to-month. However, Apple said that if you cancel your subscription before it ends, you’ll have to continue making payments until the end of your agreement. 

Live Activities on third-party accessories in the EU

According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 26.5 update also lets third-party accessories display Live Activities updates sent from iPhones. However, this is only available on devices in the European Union.

Here are the full release notes for iOS 26.5:

This update includes the following enhancements:

• End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time. For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/109526.
• Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors, is available for download.
• Suggested Places in Maps displays recommendations based on what’s trending nearby and your recent searches.

For more iOS news, here’s everything you should know about end-to-end encrypted RCS messages on your device, iOS 26.4 and iOS 26.3. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.

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