Update, May 11: iOS 26.5 and the full software lineup are now available to all users. See below for build numbers and features.
Apple has released iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and HomePod 26.5 to the public. The update brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, new Apple Maps features, a Pride wallpaper, and CarPlay video playback support.
Build Numbers
- iOS 26.5: 23F77
- iPadOS 26.5: 23F77
- macOS Tahoe 26.5: 25F71
- watchOS 26.5: 23T570
- tvOS 26.5: 23L471
- visionOS 26.5: 23O471
- watchOS 26.5: 23T570
- HomePod 26.5: 23T570
Apple also released security updates for older operating systems:
- iOS 18.7.9 and iPadOS 18.7.9: 22H355
- iPadOS 17.7.11: 21H461
- iOS 16.7.16 and iPadOS 16.7.16: 20H392
- iOS 15.8.8 and iPadOS 15.8.8: 19H422
- macOS Sonoma 14.8.7
- macOS Sequoia 15.7.7
- Xcode 26.5: 17F42
End-to-End Encrypted RCS
The headlining feature is end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in the Messages app. After testing it in the iOS 26.4 beta and pulling it before release, Apple has now shipped it. When both sender and recipient are on iOS 26.5 or a compatible Android device with RCS support, messages are encrypted end-to-end and cannot be read in transit. It’s a significant privacy improvement for cross-platform messaging that Apple and Google worked on together through the GSMA standards body.
Apple Maps: Suggested Places and Ads
Apple Maps gets a new Suggested Places section that surfaces recommendations based on trending locations nearby and your recent searches. Alongside it, Apple is launching localized ads in Maps for businesses in the US and Canada. Ads appear in search results and at the top of the Suggested Places section, clearly labeled with an “Ad” badge. Apple says location data used for ad targeting is not linked to your Apple Account.
CarPlay Video Playback
For the first time, third-party apps can display video on the CarPlay screen while a vehicle is parked. Apple opened up the API to developers, ending a restriction that dated back to CarPlay’s launch in 2014. The video stops automatically when the car is put into drive. Apps need to be updated to support the feature, so availability will grow over time as developers adopt it.
Pride Luminance Wallpaper
A new Pride Luminance wallpaper is included for iPhone and iPad, designed to work with the dynamic lighting effects in iOS 26. It pairs with the Apple Watch Pride Edition Sport Loop and Pride watch face that Apple released alongside this update. The wallpaper is available in the wallpaper picker after updating.
How to Update
Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update on your iPhone or iPad. On Mac, head to System Settings, then General, then Software Update. The update is free for all compatible devices.