Apple rolled out iOS 26.5 after a few months of beta testing, delivering a modest set of upgrades rather than the long‑awaited Siri enhancements slated for iOS 27. The most visible change is a new Pride Luminance wallpaper that users can tint with several colors. A small but practical addition is an Inuktitut keyboard layout for native speakers today.

A security highlight arrives with end‑to‑end encryption for RCS messages, letting iPhone users exchange encrypted texts with Android phones on carriers that support the latest RCS version. Encryption turns on by default and appears as a lock icon; a toggle lives in Settings → Messages. Over 50 vulnerabilities were patched, so updating now restores full protection.

Apple also adapts to the EU’s Digital Markets Act by opening proximity pairing, iPhone notifications and Live Activities to third‑party wearables such as earbuds and smartwatches, though the features roll out only for EU‑based accounts and require accessory‑maker support. Maps adds a Suggested Places carousel and pre‑loads ad infrastructure, while a new transfer option lets users choose how many message attachments move when switching to Android.