iOS 26.5 arrives soon. Here are the new features to know.

Apple’s newest cell working system, iOS 26.5 has simply been launched for builders. Typically, this implies the newest public model of iOS is simply round the nook.

So, what new features ought to iPhone customers count on in iOS 26.5? Let’s check out what’s new.

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Apple Maps: Ads and Suggested Places

Two new features are coming to Apple Maps with the launch of iOS 26.5 — that’s, when you take into account the introduction of adverts on the platform as a new function, as Apple does.

Apple is bringing adverts into its proprietary Apple Maps app with the newest iOS. We first reported on this in Marchand Apple is now actively seeking advertisers.

Ads might be clearly labeled, in accordance to Apple. Businesses might be in a position to run paid promoting on Apple Maps in an identical approach to how app builders can run adverts in Apple’s App Store. Local adverts will present up in Apple Maps based mostly on a consumer’s location. Ads will present in Apple Maps search outcomes and in Suggested Places.

Speaking of Suggested Places, that is one other new function coming to Apple Maps with iOS 26.5. While adverts can even present up on this part, it isn’t purely an promoting house. Suggested Places will present customers with suggestions based mostly on the consumer’s most up-to-date searches, in addition to what different close by Apple Maps customers are trying to find.

RCS end-to-end encryption

RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is mainly the messaging protocol that permits iPhone and Android customers to message one another with high-quality media, learn receipts, and typing indicators. Basically, it gives iPhone customers with the acquainted Messenger expertise when texting with Android customers.

With iOS 26.5, Apple is introducing a layer of safety by enabling end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for these RCS messages.

E2EE might be turned on by default with iOS 26.5. However, iPhone customers might be in a position to flip the function on or off by going to their Settings app and toggling the End-to-End Encryption possibility in the Messages part.

With E2EE for ‌RCS‌, messages despatched between iPhone and Android customers might be encrypted, which means they can’t be learn by third events.

Other new features

While these are the largest new features coming to iOS 26.5, there are different new additions on the approach as properly.

For instance, when a consumer connects Apple equipment like the Magic Keyboard to an iPhone through USB-C, the system will robotically join through Bluetooth as properly with iOS 26.5.

Transferring from an iPhone to an Android system with iOS 26.5 gives a new possibility setting to choose which message attachments to embrace in the switch. Users can decide all, 1 yr, or 30 days as choices.

Apple Books additionally has a new Trophies and Medals function that rewards customers based mostly on their audiobooks and studying habits.

Finally, Apple can even launch a new iPhone wallpaper celebrating Pride with iOS 26.5. The Pride wallpaper will match the beforehand announced Apple Watch Pride band and watch face.

iOS 26.5 may additionally probably carry a new function for customers in the EU. Under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, Apple should enable iPhone features like notification, Live Activities, and AirPods pairing to work with third-party headphones and smartwatches. While this has been included in earlier iOS beta releases, together with the beta for iOS 26.5, it has but to be included in any public launch. We’ll see if Apple consists of it this time with the iOS 26.5.

Finally, iOS 27 can also be coming later this yr, and we could be taught extra about it throughout WWDC 2026 in June.