Apple released iOS 26.5 on May 11, 2026, approximately two months after the major iOS 26.4 update. The update includes end‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging, ads in the Maps app, a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, monthly payment options for annual App Store subscriptions, and over 50 bug fixes. Users can download the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. This review covers the key features, how to enable RCS encryption, the new Maps functionality, the Pride wallpaper customisation, and the subscription billing changes.
End‑To‑End Encrypted RCS Messaging
When Apple added RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging to iOS 18, the protocol lacked end‑to‑end encryption. iOS 26.5 finally adds this privacy protection. Encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the messages. Even Apple cannot decrypt them.
How to enable RCS encryption
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages.
- Tap RCS Messaging.
- Look for End‑to‑End Encryption (Beta).
- If it is not already enabled, tap the slider to turn it on.
Apple notes that this feature is still in beta. It works only on certain carriers and devices. Encrypted messages are labelled, so you will know when your messages have this level of protection and when they do not. The feature is enabled by default on supported devices, but you should verify the setting after updating.
Ads Arrive In Apple Maps
iOS 26.5 introduces advertisements in the Maps app. When you open Maps after updating, a new splash screen announces the arrival of local ads.
How Maps ads work
- Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location.
- Ads may also appear based on your current search terms or the area you are viewing on the map.
- Advertising information is not linked to your Apple Account.
- Apple Business, announced in March 2026, allows companies to place local ads in Maps, Mail and Wallet.
For example, you might see an ad for a coffee shop down the street from your home when you search for “coffee near me.” The ads are clearly marked, and Apple states that privacy is preserved by not linking advertising data to your Apple Account.
New Sections And Suggested Places In Maps
Beyond ads, the Maps app also gains new sections and a Suggested Places menu.
What is new
- Tap the Search bar as if you were looking up a nearby cafe or restaurant.
- New sections appear directly under the search bar.
- A Suggested Places menu appears below Recents.
- Suggested Places are based on what is trending nearby and your recent searches.
This update makes it easier to discover popular local businesses without typing a specific query.
Pride Luminance Wallpaper
To celebrate LGBTQ+ communities ahead of Pride Month, iOS 26.5 includes a new Pride Luminance wallpaper.
Wallpaper features
- Vertical stripes that shift colours each time you unlock your device.
- 11 preset colour palettes are available.
- You can also create a custom colour palette.
- The wallpaper is available for download from the wallpaper picker in Settings.
Monthly Payments On Annual App Store Subscriptions
iOS 26.5 introduces a new payment option for App Store subscriptions. Developers can now offer monthly payments for 12‑month subscriptions.
How it works
- If an app offers a yearly subscription at a discounted rate, you can subscribe to the annual plan at that lower rate.
- Instead of paying the full year upfront, you pay month‑to‑month.
- If you cancel before the 12 months end, you must continue making payments until the end of the agreement.
This option makes annual subscriptions more accessible to users who cannot afford a large upfront payment but still want the discounted yearly rate.
Live Activities For Third‑Party Accessories (EU Only)
According to 9to5Mac, iOS 26.5 allows third‑party accessories to display Live Activities updates sent from iPhones. This feature is only available on devices in the European Union. It is likely related to the EU‘s Digital Markets Act, which requires Apple to open up certain iPhone features to third‑party manufacturers.
Full Release Notes
Apple‘s official release notes for iOS 26.5 include the following enhancements:
- End‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time.
- Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colours is available for download.
- Suggested Places in Maps displays recommendations based on what is trending nearby and your recent searches.
The update also includes more than 50 bug fixes, though Apple did not list them individually.
IOS 26.5 Feature Summary Table
| Feature | Description | Availability / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| End‑to‑End Encrypted RCS | Encrypted RCS messages in Messages app | Beta, requires carrier support, enabled by default |
| Maps Ads | Local business ads based on location and search terms | Ad info not linked to Apple Account |
| Suggested Places | Trending recommendations and recent searches in Maps | Appears below Recents |
| Pride Luminance Wallpaper | Dynamic vertical stripe wallpaper, 11 presets + custom colours | Available now |
| Monthly Annual Subscriptions | Pay month‑to‑month for yearly subscription discounts | Developer option; cancelling requires completing payments |
| Live Activities for Third‑Party Accessories | Accessories can display Live Activities from iPhone | EU only |
Pros And Cons Of IOS 26.5
Pros
- End‑to‑end encryption for RCS messages significantly improves privacy for cross‑platform chats (iPhone to Android).
- Encrypted messages are labelled, so you know when you are protected.
- Pride Luminance wallpaper is a free, high‑quality addition with extensive customisation.
- Suggested Places in Maps makes it easier to discover local businesses.
- Monthly payments for annual subscriptions lower the upfront cost of discounted yearly plans.
- Over 50 bug fixes improve overall system stability.
- Maps ads are privacy‑preserving (not linked to your Apple Account).
- Live Activities for third‑party accessories (EU) opens up new hardware integrations.
Cons
- RCS encryption is still in beta and may not work with all carriers or devices.
- Maps ads may be intrusive for users who prefer an ad‑free experience.
- Some users may not like the introduction of advertising in a first‑party Apple app.
- Monthly payments for annual subscriptions require you to complete payments even if you cancel early.
- Live Activities for third‑party accessories is limited to the EU.
- No major new features for users outside the EU.
- The update size is unspecified (may be large for users with limited storage).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I enable end‑to‑end encrypted RCS messaging on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. Toggle on End‑to‑End Encryption (Beta). The feature is enabled by default on supported devices, but you should verify the setting after updating to iOS 26.5.
Is RCS encryption available for all carriers?
No. Apple states that encrypted RCS messaging works only on certain carriers and devices. The feature is rolling out over time. If you do not see the option, your carrier may not support it yet.
