Millions of Apple users can now update their iPhones with the latest operating system, which brings a boost to security and other tweaks.
The tech giant has released its latest iOS 26.5 update packed with changes like end-to-end encryption on iMessages, changes to Apple Maps and other tools set to make pairing your phone easier.
While it might be tempting to ignore or postpone a system update, downloading it protects the phone against exploitation from bugs and hackers.
Here is a breakdown of the key changes that the update brings.
End-to-end RCS encryption
Despite the clunky-sounding name, this new feature is pretty straightforward – it makes messaging between iPhones and other phones like Android safer.
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, and with end-to-end encryption, it replaces traditional text messages with a more secure format.
The feature is currently being rolled out in beta mode only to users with iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users who have the latest version of Google Messages, Apple said.
It means that messages cannot be read while they are being sent between devices.
You will know a chat is end-to-end encrypted if you see a small lock icon on a conversation.
Behind the scenes, Apple and Google have been working on encrypted RCS messaging together for some time.
What’s new with Apple Maps?
If you are team Apple Maps rather than Google Maps, the OS update has some good news for you.
The app will now feature Suggested Places to give recommendations on what is happening in the area alongside user’s recent searches.
In another major change, Maps will also contain ads inside the app, which will be linked to give suggestions.
Experts see this as Apple’s attempt to catch up with Google Maps, where Gemini can already suggest places and boost navigation.
New Apple Pride wallpaper
The iOS 26.5 contains a new wallpaper honouring the official Pride Month in June.
While Apple has released Pride features before, this is the first time it has launched a moving wallpaper inspired by the LGBTQ+ flag colours.
Called ‘Pride Luminance,’ users can customise the animated wallpaper with 12 different colours. The theme is available on Apple Watch watchOS 26.5 too.
Magic pairing
Users with the Apple Magic keyboard, mouse or trackpad can connect them to an iPhone easier thanks to the new update.
They just need to connect the device to the iPhone using an USB-C, and the device should pair with the phone automatically.
After the first pairing, users can unplug the cable and use the keyboard, mouse or trackpad through Bluetooth without the fiddly set-up.
The bad news is that the Magic pairing does not work with non-Apple devices, which will still need to be connected traditionally via Bluetooth each time.
Subscriptions on App Store
The iOS 26.5 offers app developers a new way to sell subscriptions to users at a slightly lower price.
A subscription on an app might cost £12.99 a month and £100 for the year.
But with the new feature, users could pay £100 spread over 12 months.
However, Apple is yet to announce further details on whether this option is an additional option or if it will change subscriptions on the Store altogether, BGR reports.
How to install the new iOS 26.5 on iPhone
In case the option to update hasn’t cropped up in your notifications, it can be found in Settings.
Go to Settings, then click General, and tap on Software Update. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
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