Yesterday, Apple released the iOS 26.5 and well, it is kind of underwhelming, to say the least. Not to say that the updates aren’t useful or anything. It’s just that this feels like one of those updates where you install it, and go, “That’s it?”
There are three major updates in iOS 26.5 (again, major is an overstatement). Let’s explore them in detail.
Finally: Encrypted Texts Between iPhone and Android
This is probably the most important feature in the update, even though it’s not the flashiest. With iOS 26.5, Apple has started rolling out end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta. In normal human language: texts between iPhones and Android phones are finally getting more secure. Furthermore, the quality of messaging is about to improve as well.
Until now, messaging Android users wasn’t the finest experience—increasing the divide between the two worlds even further. You’d lose iMessage features, photos looked compressed, and video quality was not the best. However, all that is about to change since the new RCS now supports better quality photos and videos, typing indicators, read receipts, and improved group chats.
Apple and Google both say that the encrypted chats will show a lock icon when active. It’s rolling out gradually, so not everyone will see it immediately. Oh also, the green bubbles are still intact!
Apple Maps Is Getting More Helpful
Apple Maps also picked up a few new tricks in iOS 26.5. The app can now offer “Suggested Places” based on trending spots, recent searches, and places nearby. Think hidden cafés, popular hangout spots, or places you probably didn’t even know existed. So, in a way, Apple Maps is going to be your personal travel influencer.
Apple is also introducing local ads inside Maps. However, the ads are not live yet.
The Flashiest Update: Pride Luminance Wallpaper
Every iOS update needs at least one feature that exists purely for vibes, and this time it’s the new Pride Luminance wallpaper, launched as a part of the 2026 Pride Collection. Apple describes it as a dynamic wallpaper that refracts colours as you move your phone. It’s colourful, animated, and kind of fun—but that’s about it.
Will it change your life? No.
Will people screenshot it and post it on X anyway? Absolutely.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26.5 isn’t a huge redesign or a feature-packed release, but it does include security updates and a few genuinely useful improvements. A lot of people were expecting some considerable Siri updates, but those are still a no-show. However, the encrypted RCS support alone makes the update worth installing—especially if half your friends use Android. Just don’t expect fireworks.
All in all, this is a pretty simple update—the kind Apple drops before the big WWDC announcements steal all the attention a few weeks later.
