Apple Releases iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 With End-to-End Encrypted RCS, New Wallpaper, and Maps Updates

[sw1tcher]

RCS is one of the worst things that has ever happened to the iPhone.

Pro tip: Don't upgrade to iOS 26.5. No RCS and no ads on Maps 😂

 

[Alpha Centauri]

So iOS 18.7.7 and iOS 18.7.8 seem to be special case for devices that can be upgraded to iOS 26.x but the user chose not to.

Right now, on my iPhone 11 Pro Max still running iOS 18.7 the Software Update section shows iOS 18.7.8 along with iOS 26.5

So I guess it's a 7 day countdown before the last update to iOS 18.x disappears in Software Update. There is no iPSW for devices that can be upgraded to iOS 26.x so iOS 18.7.8 seems to be the last OTA update.

It's confusing alright. So I first questioned if 18.7.9 is a security update. I'm currently running iOS 18.7.8, capable of iOS 26.5 but right now choose not to. 18.7.9 is not showing as an available update so I guess that answers my question.

 

[N0ughtsAndCr0sses]

Yay, looks like I’m free from ads in Maps in the UK.

Not even from space we can’t see them 🤣🤌🏻

 

[Syrianos82]

Honestly. Why never the build Numbers in the article itself and users having to fill the gaps… ?

 

[NotApplicable]

For work, yes. But casually, just use Telegram's secret chat.

Signal is 100% better for personal/casual as well. Telegram excels at nothing vs. any/every other messaging platform and does not have good privacy/security. Encrypted RCS would 100% be better.

 

[Permanent Sigh]

Days like this make me wish I had a one-click ability to push the updates to two Macs, iPhone, iPad, HomePod, Apple TV, and Apple Watch all at once. 😪

 

[Syrianos82]

hey Siri, update all my devices asap! no password required, log out everywhere and JUST DO IT

 

[1rottenapple]

Yay, looks like I’m free from ads in Maps in the UK.

Don't worry that will come to you soon as regulatory hurdles are massaged and you will get the "full experience" of apple maps.

 

[mihighil]

RCS is one of the worst things that has ever happened to the iPhone.

Have had so many calls from family members trying understand it and to get it to work (so many technical issues). Just get rid of it. I deliberately turned my off and just reply "goto Telegram" whenever I see a green bubble. I recommend everyone doing the same.

Google is a such a whiner. Can't compete at messaging after 1000 tries of different apps so they asked you-know-who to step in.

Apple had to adopt RCS because of China, this has nothing to do with Google.

 

[macpanzer]

"Limit precide location" in Mobile data options - is that new, or was it there before?

Edit: seems to be new 🙂

Limit precise location from cellular networks - Apple Support

With the limit precise location setting, you can limit some information that cellular networks may use to determine your location. Available on compatible iPhone and iPad models with supported carriers.

support.apple.com

 

[germanbeer007]

Signal is 100% better for personal/casual as well. Telegram excels at nothing vs. any/every other messaging platform and does not have good privacy/security. Encrypted RCS would 100% be better.

Hard disagree. My parents couldn't figure out Signal. Telegram they can figure it out.

Also "Telegram excels at nothing" is patently false. for one, inherently the chats are more secure by not being stored on servers but then you have to manage backups. Telegram stores everything for you. I can access all videos/photos/files that were sent to me 10 years ago.

UX is where Telegram excels. Signal is a piece of **** in the UX department.

 

[Black_Mage]

I just sent a text message to someone using android. The message was not encrypted. Disappointed.

 

[germanbeer007]

Apple had to adopt RCS because of China, this has nothing to do with Google.

False. The source of that rumor is John Gruber which hilariously gets things false all the time.

 

[xraydoc]

"Limit precide location" in Mobile data options - is that new, or was it there before?

View attachment 2629188

Limit precise location has been there for a good while now.

 

[N0ughtsAndCr0sses]

"Limit precide location" in Mobile data options - is that new, or was it there before?

View attachment 2629188

Me no have

 

[Vernon2X]

I just sent a text message to someone using android. The message was not encrypted. Disappointed.

Your carrier must support and enable it, so good luck with that.

 

[I7guy]

Pro tip: Don't upgrade to iOS 26.5. No RCS and no ads on Maps 😂

Ah shucks, too late.

 

[I7guy]

I just sent a text message to someone using android. The message was not encrypted. Disappointed.

It says (beta) next to encryption.

 

[B4U]

Ads in maps?
And over 6GB just to get that 💩 from iOS 26.4.2?
Apple can go fly a kite on that one.

And I am submitting feedback to Apple.

 

[HouseLannister]

And another 50+ security fixes.

iOS 26.5 has fixes for 50+ security issues on iPhone, details here - 9to5Mac

In addition to new features, Apple’s latest software updates also include security improvements, with over 50 fixes in iOS 26.5 alone.

9to5mac.com

Also 18.7.9 is out for the same fixes.

Either Apple is still patching the DarkSword mess, found new issues with Mythos, or are still finding active exploits and keeping quiet until they have them all patched. Time to visit...

 

[iksretep]

I already "strongly dislike" some of the suggestions and "curated suggestions" in the Music app based on the music I listen to ... if this means the same for maps it's going to fun, aren't we allowed to "think different" anymore /s

 

[Vernon2X]

Notification Forwarding for third-party wearables is available also in Europe under Settings -> Notifications. Finally.

 

[Radeon85]

Nice, finally an RC that didn't require more updates on my phone, watch and HomePod Minis 🙂

 

[Non-Euclidean]

Oops. Stupid me. I updated my iPhone17Pro. Now the Fallout FAQ I was looking at (Gamefaqs.com) in Brave in landscape mode is dancing back and forth continuously.

Brilliant!

Edit - But it isn't all tabs.

 

[JosephAW]

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 may be some of the last updates that we get with new features. Apple is shifting its focus to iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, new updates that will be previewed at WWDC next month.

Translation: we will never get out of beta for iOS 26. 😵