Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, nearly two months after version 26.4 debuted.

Users with eligible devices can download the over-the-air (OTA) update by going to Settings > General > Software Update.

At the same time, Apple also rolled out iOS 15.8.8, iOS 16.7.16, iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 17.7.11 patches to support older devices that cannot upgrade to the latest operating system generation.

End-to-end encryption for RCS messages

The most notable upgrade in iOS 26.5 is end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages exchanged between iPhone and Android users.

The security protocol gives cross-platform messaging protection levels comparable to iMessage.

E2EE is enabled by default and comes with a small lock icon for identification.

However, both sender and recipient must use carriers that support the latest RCS standard for the feature to work.

Apple said carriers will gradually roll out support over time.

Improvements to Maps and other features

Apple Maps now includes a new “Suggested Places” section that automatically displays recommendations based on a user’s current location, local trends and recent search history.

Notably, iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 also lay the technical groundwork for advertising integration within Apple Maps, which is expected to officially launch this summer.

Apple has also added the vibrant Pride Luminance wallpaper collection featuring dynamic refracted color effects designed to match Apple Watch faces and bands.

The update also introduces several smaller but practical changes, including new attachment data filtering options when transferring data from iPhone to Android, support for the Inuktitut keyboard layout, and an end-of-year awards recognition platform integrated into Apple Books.

More than 50 security vulnerabilities patched

According to Apple’s support documentation, iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 resolve more than 50 security vulnerabilities, including flaws related to image processing, the operating system kernel, Shortcuts, Spotlight and screenshots.

The company also fixed 10 WebKit vulnerabilities that could potentially lead to sensitive data leaks or device crashes.

Although no active exploitation of these flaws has been reported so far, updating early remains the best way to secure devices.

For Mac users, macOS Tahoe 26.5, released on the same day, also includes nearly 70 important security fixes.

Tech analysts believe iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 will likely be the final major feature updates of this generation.

Apple is currently focusing on the development of iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, which are expected to be officially previewed at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) next month.

Hai Phong