Apple shook up its mobile experience last year with the release of iOS 26, introducing a sleek “liquid glass” interface that spanned devices from the iPhone 11 through the iPhone 17 series. Now, the company is gearing up for its next incremental update, iOS 26.5, which is set to refine the experience further, particularly within its Messages app.
This upcoming update is expected to land very soon, possibly within days, as Apple prepares for a much larger reveal at WWDC 2026 on June 8, where iOS 27 is widely anticipated to take center stage.
A major highlight of iOS 26.5 is the addition of end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. While RCS has already improved communication between different platforms, this move pushes it closer to the level of privacy users expect from modern messaging services. That said, the feature won’t be universally available right away, it will debut in beta and depend on carrier support, with a broader rollout planned over time.
Apple is expanding iOS 26.5 beyond messaging with a new Pride Luminance wallpaper that adds a dynamic, colorful visual effect. The Maps app is also getting an upgrade, introducing Suggested Places to offer recommendations based on nearby trends and user activity.
iOS 26 itself marked a major evolution, bringing the “liquid glass” design that made the interface feel more fluid and interactive. It also pushed deeper into AI with features like custom emoji creation, AI-generated images, and real-time translation across apps.
Alongside these changes, Apple improved everyday usability, enhancing Messages with better organization and group features, refining Photos and Maps, and upgrading tools like Wallet, Digital ID, CarPlay, and accessibility. With iOS 26.5, the focus is on fine-tuning these experiences with added privacy and thoughtful enhancements rather than big shifts.
What is RCS messaging?
Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a next-generation, internet-based messaging standard that enhances traditional SMS and MMS by adding capabilities such as high-quality media sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and more advanced group messaging. Often promoted as “chat features,” “Advanced Messaging,” or “5G Messaging,” it supports secure, interactive communication between Android devices and now iOS, offering an experience comparable to over-the-top (OTT) apps like WhatsApp.