Apple today released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, the fifth major updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that were released to the public in September 2025. The new updates come nearly two months after the release of the iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates.
The new software can be downloaded on compatible iPhones and iPads by going to Settings -> General -> Software Update.
Apple’s notes for the update are seen below.
This update includes the following enhancements:
– End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging (beta) in Messages is available with supported carriers and will roll out over time. For more information visit: https://support.apple.com/109526
– Pride Luminance wallpaper that dynamically refracts a spectrum of colors, is available for download
– Suggested Places in Maps displays recommendations based on what’s trending nearby and your recent searchesFor information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/100100Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. To learn more, please visit: https://apple.com/ios/feature-availability/
Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit:https://support.apple.com/125039
These updates may be some of the last with new features, as Apple has shifted its focus to iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, which will both be previewed at WWDC next month.