You’ll soon be able to download and install several software updates including iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5 and watchOS 26.5 for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. You could also test the updates and fix various bugs, but also add new features.
We must acknowledge that the update only offers a few minor innovations and not the same major changes as in versions 26.3 and 26.4. Key additions include new Pride luminance wallpapers, location suggestions in Maps, end-to-end encrypted RCS messages and more. We explain all new features for you.
Pride luminance wallpapers
Like every year around this time, Apple has once again launched a new Pride Edition Apple Watch band. Complementing the strap design is a new Pride luminance dial, which features colors that exhibit dynamic refraction and highlight the vibrant spirit and individuality of the LGBTQ+ community.
The design of the dial features two geometric patterns: radial, with colorful rays on the hour markers, and vertical, echoing the colorful stripes in the weave. This collection gives you even more color options for your watch face, so you can present yourself and your community in a unique way.
The matching wallpaper for iPhone and iPad complements the design in a cheerful and dynamic way, with colors that can be adjusted in the same way. The Pride luminance watch face and iPhone and iPad wallpaper are available starting with the watchOS 26.5, iOS 26.5, and iPadOS 26.5 software updates.
Location suggestions in Maps
In Apple’s Maps app, you can now also see location suggestions that not only use your current location, but also take into account trends and your recent searches. This means that the app shows popular restaurants, cafes or shops that are currently popular in the area, tailored to your search habits, making it easier for you to find interesting destinations without having to type everything in yourself. In any case, this function is already active in the US and Canada and will later also be available in other countries.
Apple Maps will soon introduce ads, but they will initially only be available in the United States and Canada. In software update 26.5, these ads are not yet automatically visible in the app, but the cards are already configured for them. Apple announced that the ads will be added later this summer so that users in relevant regions can see relevant ads among search results.
End-to-end encryption RCS messages
RCS is the modern, smartphone-friendly successor to SMS, with support for group chats, quick responses and high-resolution attachments. Starting with iOS 26.5, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) is available for RCS messages, provided the carrier supports it. This means that your messages are only sent encrypted between you and the recipient and cannot be read by the telecom provider or Apple itself.
With this encrypted encryption, Apple ensures that these chats are just as safe as iMessage conversations. The encryption and decryption keys remain on the phones, so the content of the messages cannot be read on the intermediate servers.
RCS also requires support from the mobile network operator. Still offers in the Netherlands no provider the service and there is no prospect of a release yet. In Belgium, RCS works at Base, Proximus and Telenet.
Monthly payment with annual commitment
Apple has a new subscription option announced for the App Store that allows developers to charge users monthly while committing to a full year. This new subscription form combines the accessibility of monthly payments with the security of an annual subscription.
This subscription model is released together with software updates 26.5 for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV. With this change, Apple is trying to lower the threshold for annual subscriptions. Instead of paying a large amount at once, users can spread the same amount over twelve months without developers having to sacrifice predictable revenue.
Other innovations
- Postponing reminders to morning, afternoon and evening now also shows the time you will be reminded. You can postpone it by pressing and holding the notification.
- Minor graphical adjustments