Apple iOS 26.5 Major New iPhone Software: Should You Upgrade?

InnovationConsumer TechApple iOS 26.5 Major New iPhone Software: Should You Upgrade?ByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorMay 12, 2026, 02:10pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryApple has rolled out iOS 26.5, potentially the last major update before iOS 27's preview at WWDC. This crucial release brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging for iPhone-Android communication, a feature currently in beta and dependent on carrier support. Other additions include a new Pride Luminance wallpaper and an update to Apple Maps' Suggested Places. More importantly, iOS 26.5 patches over 60 security vulnerabilities, with several critical fixes addressing flaws in the Kernel. Compatible with iPhone 11 series and newer, the update is strongly recommended for its significant security improvements and the long-awaited RCS integration, despite some initial concerns about future Apple Maps ads.Show More Apple iPhone 17 ProAFP via Getty ImagesApple iOS 26.5 may be the last major iPhone update of the iOS 26 series, before attention moves to iOS 27, which will be previewed at WWDC in June. There’s plenty in this release, from messages sent between iPhone and Android being encrypted for the first time. Here’s what you need to know, and whether you should be installing it on your iPhone.This post has the initial thoughts on the new release and I’ll be updating this post over the coming week and I’ll add final thoughts on Tuesday, May 19.ForbesApple Releases iOS 26.5: New Update Adds Long-Awaited Feature For iPhoneBy David PhelanWho Is It For And How Do You Get It?As with other iOS 26 updates, this update is for all phones from the iPhone 11 series and more recent. The latest models, including the iPhone 17 series, iPhone 17e and iPhone Air, are all covered by iOS 26.5.It’s straightforw...