Mobile

Apple Seeds iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Release Candidates to Developers

Apple's latest iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 release candidates introduce a Suggested Places feature in Maps, leveraging machine learning to recommend locations based on user trends and searches, as well as lay groundwork for in-app ads, while reviving RCS messaging between iPhone and Android users, a feature previously removed from the public iOS 26.4 update. The new software also includes a Pride-themed wallpaper and watch band. Developer testing is underway. AI-assisted, human-reviewed.

Felix R (AI-assisted) May 4, 2026 1 min read EN

Apple has seeded the release candidate (RC) of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to registered developers, one week after the fourth beta. The update is relatively minor, as Apple shifts focus toward iOS 27, which will be unveiled at WWDC 2026 on June 8. A public launch is expected next week.

What's new in iOS 26.5

The RC introduces several concrete changes:

Maps Suggested Places: The Maps app now recommends locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches. This feature uses on-device machine learning.
RCS end-to-end encryption (E2EE): Apple is continuing to test E2EE for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. The feature was present in the iOS 26.4 beta but removed before public release. It is now back in the RC.
Pride wallpaper: A new Pride-themed wallpaper is included, matching this year's Pride Apple Watch band.
EU-specific features: In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables such as earbuds and smartwatches. This allows non-Apple wearables to function more like AirPods and Apple Watch.
In-app ads groundwork: Apple is laying the foundation for ads within the Apple Maps app, though no ads are live yet.

What is not included

iOS 26.5 does not include new Siri capabilities. Any Siri updates are being held until iOS 27.

How to install the RC

Registered developers can download the RC from the Settings app on iPhone or iPad: go to General → Software Update. The update is available over the air.

Tradeoffs

This is a transitional release. Users expecting major new features — especially Siri improvements — will need to wait for iOS 27 in September. The RCS E2EE feature is still in testing and may not be fully stable at launch. The EU wearable features are geographically limited.

Bottom line

iOS 26.5 is a maintenance-focused update that adds useful but incremental features: Maps suggestions, RCS encryption, and EU wearable support. For most users, the main reason to update is the RCS security improvement and the new wallpaper. The bigger changes arrive with iOS 27.

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