Apple has today released the first Release Candidate version of its iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5 software updates. The releases are now available for download by registered developers.
These new software updates are all available for download via the over-the-air mechanism found in the Settings app. Alternatively, they can also be downloaded via the Apple developer website.
While none of these new updates are set to bring huge new features to the mix, they do include some changes. Apple will add the new Pride Apple Watch face to watchOS 26.5 while the Pride wallpaper will also be part of the iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates.
In terms of features, the iPhone and iPad will see the stock Maps app gain a new Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and user recents.
Apple is also laying the groundwork for introducing suggested ads in its stock Maps app. In addition to this, Apple is working on enhancing end-to-end encryption when it comes to RCS messaging between iPhone and Android users.
As for when we expect these updates to be made available to the public, that will depend on whether subsequent Release Candidate versions are required. If not, it’s likely that these updates will be made available to everyone in around a week’s time.
