iOS 26.5 may be small, but it hides some incredible new features

Macworld With WWDC less than a month away, Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 to all iPhone users, and while it isn’t a major update, it introduces many long-awaited tweaks and improvements, as well as new options for customizing the look of your iPhone or iPad. From encrypted RCS messages to controversial changes in Maps and a beautiful new Pride wallpaper, here’s everything new in iOS 26.5. Encrypted RCS messaging One of the most notable additions in iOS 26.5 is support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app. While it’s still technically labeled as a beta feature and limited to supported carriers, it’s the first step toward iPhone users being able to chat securely with their Android friends. Apple had previously tested encrypted RCS during the iOS 26.4 beta cycle, but the feature didn’t make it into the general release. Now, it’s officially rolling out to users. iOS 26.5 brings encryption to RCS messages for