Apple’s iOS 26.5 update adds encrypted texting, eight emojis, accessibility updates and fresh Apple Music features for iPhone users. See what's new.

Apple launched iOS 26.5 on Monday, almost seven weeks after releasing the massive iOS 26.4 update, which included new emoji, video podcasts and more. While iOS 26.5 isn't as large as the previous update, it includes end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, an ...

A new Apple update is worth more than a quick tap through Settings. Apple has released iOS 26.5 with new messaging, Maps, wallpaper, and security changes, according to its support site. It's available now on iPhones and iPads with a corresponding update called watchOS 26.

iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for two changes, including end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app. End-to-end encryption for ‌RCS‌ is a security feature that ensures that messages sent between supported iOS 26.5 ...

If you updated to iOS 26.5 in the past week, there’s no longer an option available to revert to the prior software release. Apple typically offers a window of time following each new software update when it’s possible to downgrade if you encounter issues.