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Apple releases iOS 26.5: encrypted RCS, Maps ads

5/18/2026

38 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Apple released iOS 26.5 for iPhone in the United States on May 11, 2026.
iOS 26.5 adds a beta of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for supported carriers.
The update adds ads and a Suggested Places menu to Apple Maps, showing ads based on search terms.
iOS 26.5 adds a Pride Luminance wallpaper with 11 palettes and lets developers offer 12-month subscriptions with monthly payments, though cancellations require payment through the term.

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Story summary

Apple released iOS 26.5 for iPhone in the United States on May 11, 2026.
iOS 26.5 adds a beta of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for supported carriers.
The update adds ads and a Suggested Places menu to Apple Maps, showing ads based on search terms.
iOS 26.5 adds a Pride Luminance wallpaper with 11 palettes and lets developers offer 12-month subscriptions with monthly payments, though cancellations require payment through the term.