After weeks of beta testing, Apple has finally started rolling out iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to the public with several new features and changes. These updates come almost three weeks after the release of iOS 26.4.2 and iPadOS 26.4.2, which included bug fixes and security improvements.
In addition to new features, these updates are expected to bring in more stability in performance and battery life for users running previous versions. According to Apple’s Release Notes, iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 includes the following changes:
” • 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 information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100
Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. To learn more, please visit: https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability.
Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: https://support.apple.com/125039.“
These versions are also expected to include ads in Apple Maps, along with a new Splash Screen upon opening the Maps app after updating.
Unfortunately, iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include any new Apple Intelligence features as we expected previously. We can now expect new AI features only with the release of the betas of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more, which are set to debut in June at WWDC 2026. iOS 26.5 is one of the last major versions of iOS 26 before Apple shifts its attention to iOS 27.
These updates are currently available for the following devices:
- iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone 17e
- iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation)
- iPhone SE (3rd generation)
- iPad Pro (M4 and M5)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
- iPad (8th generation and later)
- iPad mini (5th generation and later)
iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 are expected to include security fixes, but Apple has not yet updated its security webpage to reflect the release of these new versions.
Are you excited to try out the new features? Let us know down in the comments or write to us on @appleosophy! Be sure to download the Appleosophy App from the App Store or visit our website to stay updated with the latest Apple news!
