Apple Releases iOS 26.5 Release Candidate, Adding 3 New Features Including Message Encryption

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Chia-hao, Taipei 5th) Apple today released the first iOS 26.5 RC build (Release Candidate) operating system version, bringing 3 major new features to iPhones, including advanced communication solutions supporting end-to-end encryption, a dynamic wallpaper celebrating Pride Month, and a "Suggested Locations" feature for Apple Maps. Foreign media speculates that the official iOS 26.5 version is expected to be rolled out to all users next week.

According to the official description of the iOS 26.5 RC version, a new end-to-end encrypted RCS (Advanced Communication Solution) Beta test version feature has been launched in the "Messages" App. It can be used under the network of telecommunication providers that support this service and will be gradually pushed to more users.

Secondly, the iOS 26.5 RC version provides a new "Pride Luminance" wallpaper for users to download. It dynamically refracts rainbow spectrum colors on the screen, echoing the June Pride Month.

The iOS 26.5 RC version also adds a "Suggested Locations" feature to Apple Maps, which actively recommends relevant locations based on current popular trends near the user's location and recent search history.

9to5Mac, a tech news website, reported that although Apple Maps is about to introduce an advertising system, which is expected to be implemented first in the United States and Canada, iOS 26.5 will not automatically display ads in the Maps App. Apple is expected to launch this advertising plan until this summer. (Editor: Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150505