Overview
- Apple distributed the iOS 26.5 Release Candidate to developers on Monday, sharing notes that spell out the near-final feature set.
- End-to-end encryption for RCS messaging arrives as a beta that only works with supported carriers, rolls out over time, and may still show glitches.
- Apple Maps adds Suggested Places that recommend spots based on location or search, laying the groundwork for paid listings in select markets this summer.
- EU-focused changes improve how third-party watches and headphones work with iPhone, reflecting requirements under the Digital Markets Act.
- The long-expected Siri overhaul is not in 26.5 and is now expected with iOS 27, according to reporting based on the beta and RC.