Apple has released the second Release Candidate (RC 2) build of iOS 26.5 for eligible iPhones, indicating that the stable public rollout is likely imminent.
The update is currently available to developers and public beta testers. Release Candidate builds are generally considered near-final versions before wider deployment, although Apple occasionally releases a second RC when last-minute bugs or stability issues are identified.
Unlike the first RC build, iOS 26.5 RC 2 does not introduce major visual or feature changes. Instead, the update focuses largely on refinement and stability improvements ahead of the official launch.
Key Features Expected in iOS 26.5
RCS Messaging Could Get End-to-End Encryption
One of the most significant additions expected with iOS 26.5 is end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between supported iPhones and Android devices.
Apple had briefly introduced the feature during the iOS 26.4 beta cycle before removing it from the final release. The company now appears set to bring the capability back with iOS 26.5.
The feature would ensure that messages remain encrypted during transmission, allowing only the sender and recipient to access conversations, similar to platforms like WhatsApp and Signal.
Apple Maps May Introduce Suggested Places and Ads
The update is also expected to introduce a new Suggested Places feature within Apple Maps. The section could recommend locations based on nearby trends, user activity, and recent searches.
Reports also suggest Apple may begin testing sponsored listings inside Apple Maps, allowing businesses in the US and Canada to promote visibility in search results and recommendation sections.
According to reports, these advertisements will include privacy protections and will not directly link user location data or ad interactions to Apple accounts.
New Pride Edition Wallpapers
Apple is also adding new Pride Edition wallpapers with dynamic colour effects and multiple customisation options for iPhone users.
Siri and Apple Intelligence Updates Delayed
Despite speculation around upgraded Siri and broader AI-powered features, major updates related to Apple Intelligence are not expected to arrive with iOS 26.5.
Apple is widely expected to reserve larger AI announcements for iOS 27, which could be previewed during Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2026) scheduled from June 8 to June 12.
Eligible iPhone Models
iOS 26.5 will support:
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 17 series
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
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