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iOS 26.5 is coming soon, complete with new iPhone features<\/a>. Here\u2019s when iOS 26.5 is expected to launch to all users.<\/p>\n iOS 26.5 launch confirmed for May, likely mid-month<\/p>\n Apple has a reputation for secrecy, and sometimes is able to genuinely surprise with new releases. A recent example is the AirPods Max 2 launch<\/a> that happened with no prior rumors.<\/p>\n But with software especially, Apple follows very consistent patterns for releases.<\/p>\n For example, Apple will unveil iOS 27 this June at WWDC, and ship it to all users in September\u2014following the same schedule as always.<\/p>\n Smaller software updates follow predictable patterns too. So to get a good sense of when iOS 26.5 will launch, we just have to look back at prior years.<\/p>\n Apple has already confirmed<\/a> that iOS 26.5 is coming at some point in May\u2014it\u2019s just a matter of when exactly.<\/p>\n Here are the last few years of x.5 releases:<\/p>\n As you can see, Apple aims for mid-May launches for its x.5 software updates.<\/p>\n Based on this pattern, a mid-May launch<\/strong> for iOS 26.5 is expected this year too. The week of May 11 seems very possible, or it could get pushed as late as the week of May 18.<\/p>\n New features in iOS 26.5 so far<\/p>\n iOS 26.5 so far has brought a handful of new iPhone features<\/a> in the beta.<\/p>\n Apple Maps has a new Suggested Places feature<\/a> for recommending places to check out. It offers suggestions based on trending locations and ones related to your prior searches.<\/p>\n The Messages app is getting end-to-end encryption<\/a> for RCS messaging soon. It\u2019s available now in beta, and while Apple hasn\u2019t officially committed to shipping it in the final iOS 26.5 release, that seems likely.<\/p>\n We\u2019re expecting a new Pride wallpaper<\/a> to arrive in iOS 26.5 too.<\/p>\n Both iOS and iPadOS 26.5 have a convenient change<\/a> when using accessories like Apple\u2019s Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse.<\/p>\n Finally, there are EU-specific updates<\/a>, like the ability for third-party accessories to support Live Activities.<\/p>\n Which iOS 26.5 features are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n Best iPhone accessories<\/p>\n\n
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