Apple pushed out the iOS 26.5 release candidate on Monday, more than a month after the company released the massive iOS 26.4 update, which included new emoji, video podcasts and more. The iOS 26.5 RC brings a few smaller -- but impactful -- changes to the iPhones of developers and beta testers, including end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging.
Because this is an RC, I recommend downloading it only on a device other than your primary one. This isn't the final version of iOS 26.5, so the update might be buggy and battery life may be shortened. It's best to keep those problems on a secondary device.
Also, since this isn't the final version of iOS 26.5, Apple could add more features to the update before it arrives on your iPhone.
Here are some features developers and beta testers can try now, and what could land on your iPhone when Apple releases iOS 26.5. Apple usually releases iOS updates about a week after releasing an RC, so it could release iOS 26.5 to the general public on May 11 or 12.
End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging returns
The iOS 26.5 RC brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging to your device -- finally. When Apple brought RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one feature the messaging protocol was missing was end-to-end encryption, and iOS 26.5 will likely bring this privacy protection to your iPhone.
To find this setting, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and tap the slider next to End-to-End Encryption (Beta).
Apple writes in the feature's description that it's still in beta, and it works only on certain carriers and devices. Apple also writes that these encrypted messages will be labeled as such, so you should know when your messages do and don't have this level of protection.
Apple included end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta versions of iOS 26.4, but the tech giant didn't include the feature in the final release.
Ads could arrive in Maps
If you open your Maps app after downloading the iOS 26.5 RC, you'll see a new splash screen that announces the arrival of ads in the app.
"Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search," Apple says. "For your privacy, advertising information is not linked to your Apple Account."
Apple announced Apple Business in March, allowing companies to connect with customers via some of Apple's first-party apps, such as Mail and Wallet. Apple Business also lets companies place local ads in Maps. So you could start seeing ads in Maps for the coffee shop down the street from your home.
New sections and Suggested Places in Maps
The iOS 26.5 RC also brings new sections and a new Suggested Places menu to your Maps app. Once in the app, tap your Search bar like you're going to look up a nearby cafe or restaurant. You'll see the new sections under the search bar, and Suggested Places will appear below Recents.
New Pride Luminance wallpaper
The iOS 26.5 RC brings a new Pride wallpaper to your device to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities ahead of Pride Month. The new wallpaper, called Pride Luminance, features vertical stripes that shift each time you unlock your device.
Monthly payments on annual subscriptions
The iOS 26.5 update will introduce a new way to pay for subscriptions in the App Store. Apple wrote online that starting with the upcoming iOS update, developers can offer monthly payments for 12-month subscriptions.
"This new payment option allows you to offer subscribers more affordable options," Apple wrote.
This means if an app offers a yearly subscription at a discount, you could subscribe to that annual plan at the lower rate but pay for it month-to-month. However, Apple did write that if you cancel your subscription before your subscription ends, you'll have to continue making payments until the end of your agreement.
Live Activities on third-party accessories in the EU
According to 9to5Mac, the iOS 26.5 beta also lets third-party accessories display Live Activities updates sent from iPhones. However, this is only available on devices in the European Union.
Here are the full release notes for the iOS 26.5 RC:
This update includes the following enhancements:
- 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.
Those are a few of the new features developers and public beta testers can try now with the iOS 26.5 RC. There could be more betas before the OS is released to the public, so there's plenty of time for Apple to change these features and add others. Apple wrote in a blog post that it will release iOS 26.5 to the general public in May, but didn't give an exact date.
For more iOS news, here's everything you should know about iOS 26.4 and iOS 26.3. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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