Apple iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Preview: Edit Release Candidate 2 with visual innovations:

Apple Maps and advertising infrastructure

The update brings changes to the Maps app, in particular a new feature for suggested locations. This tool provides location recommendations based on the user's recent searches and local trends. The code also indicates that Apple is preparing the Maps app for the integration of advertising.

RCS encryption tests

Technical analyses show that Apple is further refining end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages. This function is intended to secure communication between iPhone and Android users. Although the function appeared in the beta phase of iOS 26.4, it was removed before the public release of this version and is now being tested again in the 26.5 cycle.

Visual innovations and missing functions

In terms of appearance, the update includes a new Pride wallpaper to match the release of the annual Pride Apple Watch bracelet.

Notably, the update does not include any new features for Siri. The lack of these features suggests that major improvements for Siri are being held back for the next major OS release, iOS 27.

Availability and expected launch

Registered developers can currently access the RC versions via the “General” section in the Settings app. Given the current pace of testing, the final public versions of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 are expected to be released next week.