Apple To Release iOS 26.5.1 iPhone Update In Coming Days, Report Says

InnovationConsumer TechApple To Release iOS 26.5.1 iPhone Update In Coming Days, Report SaysByDavid Phelan, Senior Contributor. Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorMay 23, 2026, 10:00am EDTMay 23, 2026, 10:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryApple is reportedly preparing two new iOS updates, 26.5.1 and 26.6, following the May 11 release of iOS 26.5. The minor update, iOS 26.5.1, is expected within days, likely on May 27 or 28, bypassing Memorial Day. This update will primarily address bug fixes and security issues, potentially refining features like the recently added RCS messaging. Meanwhile, iOS 26.6 is also in testing, anticipated as one of the final releases for the iOS 26 cycle. While 26.6 is a major point release, significant new features are not expected, as they are reserved for iOS 27. The first developer beta for 26.6 might be released after WWDC, scheduled for June 8-12. Show More Apple iPhone 17Getty ImagesIt’s not even two weeks since the last iPhone update, iOS 26.5, was released on Monday, May 11, 2026. But the latest report suggests that there are already two more updates almost on the glide path. And the first of these, iOS 26.5.1, could be just days away. Here’s what’s in them and when they’ll land. ForbesiOS 26.5: How To Make The Most Of Apple’s New iPhone Messaging UpgradeBy David PhelanApple iOS 26.5.1 ContentIt’s not uncommon for Apple to follow a major-point release with a minor one, and the timing fits for iOS 26.5.1 to be on its way if its needed. Mostly, but far from always, minor point releases are about bug fixes and security issues, and as iOS 26.6 brought one very big update — RCS messaging to make messages sent between Android and iPhone as secure as iMessages already were — the next update will almost certainly be to tweak features such as these. It may still be light on security issues as more than 60 flaws were repaired in iOS 26.5, unless something didn’t quite take after all. MORE FOR YOUPredicted Apple iOS 26.5.1 Release Date“Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.5.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions,” MacRumors reported. That means the release is imminent, but when, exactly? Ordinarily, I’d say Monday, May 25 or Tuesday, May 26, but Monday is Memorial Day, so that’s unlikely. Apple’s engineers will be working on it on Tuesday, so I believe Wednesday, May 27 or even Thursday, May 28 are the most likely dates. Apple iOS 26.6 First Developer Beta And WWDCThe MacRumors logs also revealed that Apple is simultaneously testing iOS 26.6, which will likely be one of the last releases for the iOS 26 cycle. Although it’s a major point release, don’t expect much in the way of new features, which will surely arrive in iOS 27, on general release in the fall. Although testing has started, if Apple follows the same schedule as last year, the first beta may not be sent to developers until after WWDC, which runs from June 8 to 12. ForbesSony Launches Reon Pocket Pro Plus Wearable Air Conditioner In Time For Summer HeatwavesBy David PhelanEditorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video