Juli Clover (release notes, security, enterprise, developer, full installer, IPSW):
macOS Tahoe 26.5 adds a Suggested Places section to the search interface in the Apple Maps app. It also lays the groundwork for ads in the Maps app, which are coming this summer.
The App Store is also getting a monthly subscription option that will let users pay a lower price on a monthly basis, but agree to pay for a subscription for a 12-month period.
I’ve heard that macOS 26.5 introduces problems with disabling System Integrity Protection; I’m not sure whether this was fixed before the final release.
See also Mr. Macintosh and Howard Oakley.
Previously:
Mac macOS Release macOS Tahoe 26 System Integrity Protection
Juli Clover (release notes, security, no enterprise, developer):
iOS 26.5 introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messages exchanged between iPhone and Android users. E2EE for RCS requires both participants in the conversation to have a carrier that supports the feature, and carriers will be rolling out support over time. Encrypted RCS messages have a small lock symbol, and match the end-to-end encryption protections of iMessage.
In the Maps app, there is a new “Suggested Places” section that displays recommendations based on location and recent searches. The Maps app is getting ads this summer, and the groundwork for ads is included in iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5.
Apple added a new Pride Luminance wallpaper that matches the Pride Luminance Apple Watch face and Apple Watch band. The updates are largely the same on iPad.
Apple is calling encrypted RCS a beta:
Apple and Google have led a cross-industry effort to bring end-to-end encryption to Rich Communication Services (RCS), making the cross-platform messaging format that replaces traditional SMS more secure and private.
[…]
Encryption is on by default and will be automatically enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations.
[…]
[iMessage] remains the best way to communicate between Apple devices.
See also: Wired.
Previously:
iOS iOS 26 iOS Release iPadOS iPadOS 26 iPadOS Release Messages.app Privacy Rich Communication Services (RCS)
Juli Clover (release notes, security, developer):
watchOS 26.5 adds a new Pride Luminance watch face. It also fixes a bug with dual SIM iPhones and an issue that could cause audio alerts to fail to play in the Workout app.
Previously:
watchOS watchOS 26 watchOS Release
Juli Clover (release notes, security, no enterprise, developer):
Apple’s release notes say that visionOS 26.5 includes bug fixes and security improvements.
Previously:
visionOS visionOS 26 visionOS Release
Juli Clover (release notes, security, developer):
No new features were found in tvOS 26.5 during the beta testing period, so it likely focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements.
Previously:
tvOS tvOS 26 tvOS Release
Juli Clover (release notes):
According to Apple’s release notes, HomePod Software 26.5 includes performance and stability improvements.
Previously:
audioOS audioOS 26 audioOS Release
