Apple has released its latest update across all its platforms and operating systems with iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and macOS 26.5. And while there isn’t a long list of headline-grabbing new features, there are a few new features and, more importantly, dozens of security patches. iOS 26.5 alone patches more than 50 vulnerabilities, making this a release worth installing immediately.
iOS 26.5: What’s New for iPhone
The three headlining feature additions in iOS 26.5 are end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, a new Pride Luminance wallpaper, and a Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps.
End-to-end encrypted RCS in the Messages app is rolling out in beta and will expand over time depending on carrier support. The Pride Luminance wallpaper is a dynamic option that refracts a spectrum of colors. Suggested Places in Maps surfaces location recommendations based on trending spots and your recent searches.
Beyond those highlights, iOS 26.5 also brings improvements to the Reminders app, adding precise time options when snoozing a due reminder so you know exactly when it will resurface.
Another handy addition is Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, and Magic Trackpad accessories can now establish a Bluetooth pairing simply by being plugged into your iPhone via USB-C—no separate pairing steps required.
App Store subscribers in the United States can now access monthly subscription pricing with a 12-month commitment, a payment structure that lets users split annual plans into monthly installments while still committing to the full term. This option was already available globally with iOS 26.4, but US customers needed iOS 26.5 to access it.
iPadOS 26.5: What’s New for iPad
iPadOS 26.5 largely mirrors the iOS 26.5 feature set, with a few iPad-specific highlights worth calling out.
The Pride Luminance wallpaper arrives on iPad as well, offered in 11 color variants plus a custom builder that lets you select your own color combination. Apple Maps gains the same Suggested Places feature as on iPhone, and the Reminders snooze improvements are included too.
The iPad also gets that new ability to pair Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad peripherals over Bluetooth automatically after being connected via USB-C.
macOS 26.5: What’s New for Mac
macOS 26.5 (Tahoe) is a notably light update compared to macOS 26.4, which brought back Safari’s compact tab view and introduced a battery Charge Limit feature for Mac laptops. On the feature front, 26.5’s only Mac-specific addition is a new power control setting in Energy preferences for the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac. This lets users power off or restart their Mac using assistive accessories.
The broader additions in macOS 26.5 are the same cross-platform features found in iOS and iPadOS 26.5: end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, Suggested Places in Apple Maps, and the new App Store subscription pricing structure.
Security Fixes: The Real Reason to Update
Across all three platforms, security is the most compelling argument to install these updates promptly. iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 together address more than 50 security vulnerabilities. macOS Tahoe 26.5 carries its own set of patches as well.
Apple also released security updates for older OS versions alongside the 26.5 lineup, including iOS 18.7.9, iPadOS 17.7.11, iOS 16.7.16, iOS 15.8.8, macOS Sequoia 15.7.7, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.7. You can find full security release notes for all of Apple’s current updates on Apple’s security releases page.
To update your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > General > Software Update. On Mac, open System Settings and select General > Software Update.
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