How to Update Your iPhone to iOS 26.5
Before you try any new iOS 26.5 features, you need to install the update. First, make sure you’re using an iPhone 11 or newer, since older models are not supported. Connect your phone to a reliable Wi‑Fi network and plug into power if your battery is low, as the download is over 14 GB and can take a while. Then open Settings, tap General, and choose Software Update. Your iPhone will search for iOS 26.5; when it appears, tap Download and Install and follow the on‑screen prompts. The device will reboot once or twice during the process. After the lock screen returns, unlock your phone and confirm the update in Settings > General > About. Now you’re ready to explore the latest iOS 26.5 features, from encrypted RCS messaging to Maps improvements and more.
Turn On and Check Encrypted RCS Messaging
One of the headline iOS 26.5 features is encrypted RCS messaging for chats between iPhone and Android users. RCS (Rich Communication Services) gives you higher‑quality photos and videos, typing indicators, and read receipts in green‑bubble conversations, and now those can be protected with end‑to‑end encryption. Apple uses the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 standard and Messaging Layer Security (MLS) to secure messages, and the feature is enabled by default. To confirm it’s active, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and look for the “End‑to‑End Encryption (Beta)” toggle. In an encrypted thread, you’ll see a small lock icon and the word “Encrypted” in your Messages conversation. Remember that encryption only works when both your carrier and the recipient’s carrier support RCS Universal Profile 3.0; otherwise, messages fall back to unencrypted RCS or standard SMS.
Use Suggested Places in the Updated Apple Maps
The latest iPhone Maps update introduces Suggested Places, a tool designed to help you discover new spots with minimal effort. Open Apple Maps and tap the search bar; above your recent searches you’ll now see two recommendations. These are based on what’s trending nearby and your previous activity in the app. Over time, this can surface coffee shops, restaurants, or landmarks you might otherwise miss. Apple notes in its privacy information that advertising data from these suggestions is not linked to your Apple Account and isn’t shared with third parties, although you currently cannot disable the suggestions entirely. Suggested Places also prepares the app for upcoming paid ads in Maps, which will appear in the same space and be clearly labeled as ads. If you’d prefer to avoid seeing sponsored map results altogether, switching to an alternative maps app remains your main option.
Other Handy iOS 26.5 Features to Try
Beyond encrypted RCS messaging and the iPhone Maps update, iOS 26.5 quietly improves everyday tasks. A new Pride Luminance wallpaper adds dynamic, refracted colors to your lock and home screens, with 11 presets and a customizable mode that lets you choose up to 12 colors. If you use a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad, pairing is now easier: plug the accessory into your iPhone or iPad via USB‑C and it will automatically pair over Bluetooth, staying connected after you unplug. The Reminders app now shows precise times when you snooze an alert, such as “Remind Me at 3:00 PM,” instead of vague labels like “This Afternoon.” You’ll also see changes around App Store subscription billing options and improvements to data transfer when moving from iPhone to Android, plus extra interoperability benefits if you’re in regions covered by recent digital market regulations.