Apple ships iOS 26.5 release candidate, highlighting encrypted RCS beta, Pride wallpaper and Maps updates

Apple has released the first iOS 26.5 release candidate (RC) build, outlining three notable changes coming to iPhone users. The update is expected to roll out broadly next week.

What’s new in iOS 26.5

According to Apple’s release notes, iOS 26.5 introduces:

• End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages, available with supported carriers and rolling out over time.

• A downloadable Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors.

• An update to Suggested Places in Apple Maps, which will surface recommendations based on what’s trending nearby and a user’s recent searches.

Apple Maps ads are planned, but not part of iOS 26.5

The update does not automatically add advertisements to Apple Maps. Apple has said it plans to launch an ad program for Maps later this summer, initially in the United States and Canada.

Watch and next iOS release

Apple is also adding a new watch face for Apple Watch alongside watchOS 26.5.

Looking ahead, Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 in a little over a month, with reports suggesting a focus on Siri and Apple Intelligence.