ByDavid Phelan,
Senior Contributor.
Apple has released iOS 26.5, now available for iPhone 11 series and newer, including the latest iPhone 17 models. Users can update through Settings > General > Software Update. While many hoped for the new Siri, it's notably absent, with analysts now expecting its debut with iOS 27 at WWDC on June 8. However, a significant update is the introduction of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging. Currently in beta and requiring carrier support, this feature will finally secure communications between iPhones and Android devices. Other additions include a new "Pride Luminance" wallpaper and "Suggested Places" in Maps, offering recommendations based on local trends and user activity.
Update May 13: this post, first published on Monday, May 11, has been updated with additional detail about encrypted messaging, the key upgrade in the release and features specific to users in the EU.
The latest iPhone update is now available, following weeks of beta releases, and a last-minute, unexpected second release candidate (details here). That second RC could have meant a later general release, but no, here it is, right on schedule. Here’s all you need to know about the new features and compatibility.
