iOS 26.5 Release Date: Will The New Beta Delay Your iPhone Update?

InnovationConsumer TechiOS 26.5 Release Date: Will The New Beta Delay Your iPhone Update?ByDavid Phelan,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about lifestyle techFollow AuthorMay 09, 2026, 08:00am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SummaryApple's iOS 26.5 update, initially expected around May 11, saw an unexpected development with the release of a second Release Candidate beta to developers. This rare move indicates Apple is likely addressing bugs before the public launch, rather than adding new features. Despite this, the update is still set to introduce significant changes, most notably end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, finally securing communications between iPhones and Android devices. Other anticipated features include a new Pride wallpaper, Apple Maps' Suggested Places, and EU-specific adjustments. While a minor delay to May 12 is conceivable, the general release is largely predicted to proceed as planned on Monday, May 11, at 10 a.m. Pacific.Show More Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max in Cosmic Orange finishNurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe next iPhone update, iOS 26.5, is almost here, predicted to land on or around Monday, May 11. However, out of nowhere, Apple has just seeded a second release candidate beta to developers. How does this affect the release date, and what does it mean for your iPhone?ForbesiPhone Users To Collect On Apple’s $250 Million Settlement — Is Your Phone On This List?By David PhelanThe Second Release Candidate BetaRelease Candidate software is the last beta before the update becomes widely available, usually a week beforehand. In the case of iOS 26.5, this happened on Monday, May 4 (full details here), which chimes with expectations of general release on Monday, May 11. However, Friday, May 8 saw a second release candidate made available to developers — a rare but not unprecedented occurren...