Here’s everything new coming to iPhone with iOS 26.5 and the Mac with macOS 26.5 Tahoe software updates.
iOS 26.5 and macOS 26.5 Tahoe Bring Subtle Changes to iPhone and Mac, Here’s Everything New Coming Next Week
Apple has released the RC (Release Candidate) versions of iOS 26.5 and macOS 26.5 to developers and public beta testers. This means the final updates will become available for download to everyone next week.
Since the RC build is the final update seeded a week early, it means we can have a look at the official changelog, highlighting everything new that is coming to iPhone and the Mac.
Quite frankly, both iOS 26.5 and macOS 26.5 focus heavily on bug fixes and small changes. If you were expecting a ton of new features, then it’s best to divert your hopes toward iOS 27 instead.
Everything New in iOS 26.5
Here is the complete set of changes coming to iPhone with iOS 26.5, according to Apple:
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 searches
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:
https://support.apple.com/100100
Some 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
Everything New in macOS 26.5 Tahoe
On the Mac, you get nothing more than new emoji and bug fixes:
This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: support.apple.com/100100
Some features may not be available in all regions or on all Apple devices. To learn more, please visit: apple.com/macos/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: support.apple.com/125039
If you are interested in taking iOS 26.5 for a spin, be sure to go here. Plan to take macOS 26.5 or other updates for a spin instead? You’ll find the necessary details posted here.
