Apple iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5 and HomePod Software 26.5 are here
Apple today released iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and HomePod Software 26.5, the latest updates for its product lineup. The software arrives nearly two months after the release of the previous versions.
Apple iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5
Apple iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 can be downloaded wirelessly on compatible iPhones and iPads via Settings > General > Software Update. Apple has also released iOS 15.8.8, iOS 16.7.16, iOS 18.7.9, and iPadOS 17.7.11 for older devices that cannot run iOS 26 and iPadOS 26.
iOS 26.5 introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between iPhone and Android users. E2EE encryption for RCS requires both parties to use a mobile carrier that supports this feature. Carriers will roll out support gradually. Encrypted RCS messages are indicated by a small lock icon and offer the same level of protection as iMessage.
The iOS 26.5 Maps app features a new “Suggested Places” section that displays recommendations based on your location and recent searches. The Maps app will include advertising this summer, and the groundwork for this is already implemented in iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5.
Apple has also added a new Pride Luminance wallpaper in iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, which matches the Pride Luminance watch face and band of the Apple Watch. The updates are largely identical on the iPad.
Release notes for the iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 update:
- This update includes the following improvements:
- End-to-end encrypted RCS messages (beta) in Messages are available with supported mobile carriers and are being rolled out gradually. For more information, see: https://support.apple.com/109526
- The background image “Pride Luminance”, which dynamically breaks a color spectrum, is available for download.
- The “Suggested Places” feature in Maps displays recommendations based on current trends nearby and your recent search queries.
- For information about the security content of Apple software updates, see: https://support.apple.com/100100
- Some features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. For more information, see: https://apple.com/ios/feature-availability/
- Software updates like this one add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. For more information, see: https://support.apple.com/125039
iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 could be among the last updates with new features. Apple is now focusing on iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, which will be unveiled next month at WWDC.
Apple macOS Tahoe 26.5
Apple today released macOS Tahoe 26.5, the fifth major update for the macOS Tahoe operating system. macOS Tahoe 26.5 arrives seven weeks after the release of macOS Tahoe 26.4. Mac users can download the new software by opening the System Preferences app and navigating to the Software Update section.
macOS Tahoe 26.5 adds a location suggestion section to the search interface of the Apple Maps app. It also lays the groundwork for advertising in the Maps app, which will be introduced this summer.
The App Store will also offer a monthly subscription option, allowing users to pay a lower price each month but commit to a subscription for a period of 12 months.
The update likely also includes several bug fixes and further performance improvements in the background, but no new features were discovered during the beta testing phase.
Apple watchOS 26.5 with new Pride Luminance watch face
Apple has also released watchOS 26.5, the fifth major update for the watchOS 26 operating system, which was released in September. watchOS 26.5 comes a month and a half after the release of watchOS 26.4.
watchOS 26.5 can be downloaded for free on an iPhone running iOS 26.5. To do this, open the Apple Watch app and go to General > Software Update, or start the update in your Apple Watch’s settings. For the new software to install, your Apple Watch must have at least 50 percent battery charge and be connected to a charger.
watchOS 26.5 offers a new watch face in the Pride Luminance color. It also fixes a bug affecting dual-SIM iPhones and an issue that could prevent audio notifications from playing in the Workout app. Apple’s release notes are below.
- This update includes the following improvements and bug fixes:
- The “Pride Luminance” dial, which dynamically breaks a color spectrum, can be added via the dial gallery.
- Fixes an issue where messages on the Apple Watch might use SMS instead of iMessage when paired with a dual-SIM iPhone.
- Fixes an issue where audio notifications from the Workout app might not play if the iPhone was not nearby.
- For more information about the security of Apple software, please visit this website: https://support.apple.com/100100
Apple tvOS 26.5
Apple today released tvOS 26.5, the fifth update to the tvOS operating system, which was launched last fall. tvOS 26.5 is available for Apple TV 4K and comes just over a month after the release of tvOS 26.4.
tvOS 26.5 can be downloaded via the Settings app on your Apple TV. Open Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. Apple TV owners who have automatic software updates enabled will receive the update to tvOS 26.5 automatically.
No new features were discovered in tvOS 26.5 during the beta testing phase. Therefore, this version likely focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements. Apple publishes the tvOS release notes on its website.
Apple visionOS 26.5
Apple today released visionOS 26.5, the fifth update for the visionOS 26 operating system released in September. visionOS 26.5 comes almost two months after the release of visionOS 26.4.
visionOS 26.5 can be downloaded to all Vision Pro headsets. To do this, open the Settings app, select “General,” and then “Software Update.” The Vision Pro headset must be removed to install the update. The progress bar will be displayed on the external EyeSight display.
According to Apple’s release notes, visionOS 26.5 includes bug fixes and security improvements. visionOS 26.5 is recommended for all Vision Pro users.
Apple HomePod Software 26.5
Alongside iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5, Apple has also released new HomePod software version 26.5 for the HomePod and HomePod mini. The update arrives just over a month after the release of HomePod software version 26.4.
According to Apple’s release notes, HomePod software version 26.5 includes improvements in performance and stability.
The HomePod software is automatically installed on the HomePod unless this feature is disabled. However, the HomePod can also be updated manually via the Home app on iPhone, iPad, MacBook, or Mac by tapping the “More” button, selecting “Home Settings,” and then choosing the “Software Update” option.
