Today, May 4, Apple released iOS 26.5 RC — the final pre-release build, which is essentially the finished version of the update. This happened exactly one week after the previous update. The Release Candidate is available to Developer Beta and Public Beta program participants, and for all other users, the iOS 26.5 release is expected as early as next week. This is the last major update in the iOS 26 lineup — after this, all eyes will shift to iOS 27 and WWDC on June 8.
iOS 26.5 Release Candidate is out
iOS 26.5 Release Candidate — Differences from the iOS 26.5 Beta
iOS 26.5 RC is not just another beta — it’s essentially a finished product. This is the exact build Apple plans to distribute to all iPhone users in a few days. If a critical bug is discovered in the remaining time, the company will release a corrected RC. But in most cases, the Release Candidate and the final version are one and the same, right down to the build number.
New Features in iOS 26.5
The list of new features hasn’t changed since the first betas — Apple used the testing period for polishing rather than adding features. The only fresh change in the RC is new wallpapers in iOS 26.5. Here’s the complete list of what to expect.
We’ve compiled all the new features in our article
What’s new in iOS 26.5:
- End-to-end encryption for RCS — cross-platform messages between iPhone and Android are now encrypted at the same level as iMessage. The toggle is located in Settings — Messages — RCS. Not yet relevant for Russian users — local carriers don’t support RCS.
- Suggested Places in Apple Maps — when tapping the search bar, Maps offers a curated selection of interesting places based on trends and your history. In Russia, Yandex Maps and 2GIS remain unrivaled.
- Preparation for ads in Maps — Apple has implemented code for displaying paid business recommendations in Maps search results. The commercial launch is planned for summer 2026 in the US and Canada.
- Monthly subscription with annual commitment — a new payment format in the App Store: monthly billing with a discount for a 12-month contract.
- Live Activities for third-party accessories in the EU — smart watches and headphones from non-Apple brands will be able to display dynamic notifications on iPhone. Outside the European Union, the feature is disabled.
- Auto-pairing for Magic accessories — Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad maintain their Bluetooth connection after disconnecting the cable without manual setup.
- Flexible export when switching to Android — when migrating from iPhone, you can choose the time period for message attachments: 30 days, one year, or everything.
There aren’t many new iOS 26.5 features relevant to Russia, so we recommend checking the update release notes. In that section, you’ll learn which functional bugs were fixed during the beta testing period.
When Will iOS 26.5 Be Released for Everyone
The RC release is a clear signal: the public release is just days away. The official iOS 26.5 release date hasn’t been announced, but Apple follows the same schedule year after year. Updates in the x.5 format consistently appear in mid-May:
- iOS 18.5 — May 12, 2025
- iOS 17.5 — May 13, 2024
- iOS 16.5 — May 18, 2023
- iOS 15.5 — May 16, 2022
- iOS 14.5 — April 26, 2021
As you can see, we’re right on schedule with no delays! Given today’s RC, the most likely iOS 26.5 release date is May 11 or 12, 2026. In the worst case — May 13.
How to Install iOS 26.5 RC on iPhone — and Why You’d Want To
You can install the new build right now. But is there a point?
Technically, anyone enrolled in the beta testing program can download iOS 26.5 RC:
- Register with the Apple Developer Program.
- Open Settings — General — Software Update.
- Under “Beta Updates,” enable iOS 26 Developer Beta or iOS 26 Public Beta.
- Wait for the build to appear and tap “Download and Install.”
But here’s some honest advice: there’s no real reason to download iOS 26.5 RC. The RC build and the final release are 99% identical — you’ll get the exact same version in 7–8 days without needing to register for the beta program and without the formal “tester” status on your device.
Moreover, if Apple happens to discover an issue and releases an updated RC, beta participants will have to install yet another update, while regular users will immediately receive the corrected version. If you’ve held out this long — just wait until Monday. Your iPhone definitely won’t hold it against you.
