Apple has released iOS 26.5 for iPhone users, introducing several noteworthy features despite not including the anticipated AI-powered Siri upgrade. A significant addition is end-to-end RCS encryption, allowing iPhones to send encrypted texts to Android phones, a feature previously unavailable. However, both users must be on carriers supporting the latest RCS standard for this encryption to take effect. In the EU, iOS 26.5 enables third-party earbuds to utilize one-tap proximity pairing and allows non-Apple smartwatches to receive interactive notifications and display Live Activities. Notification forwarding is limited to one device at a time, affecting Apple Watch users. Additionally, Maps now offers suggestions based on recent searches and trends, and Apple has set the stage for potential ads within Maps. When switching from iPhone to Android, users can choose the extent of message attachment transfers, ranging from all attachments to those from the last month.
What useful features might iPhone users overlook in iOS 26.5?
