Siri grabbed the headlines at WWDC, but this standout update to iOS solves a major household headache: managing your kids' digital lives.

OS 26.5 includes three new features for iPhones, according to Apple's release notes for the update, which is expected to be released next week. As discovered during beta testing, iOS 26.5 enables end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iOS and Android devices.

Apple's iOS 26.5 introduces new security features, subscription options and Maps enhancements, marking a significant update in the iPhone's software evolution.

Apple announced its next major iOS update, iOS 27, at WWDC 2026 on Monday. Apple is highlighting performance and design improvements, trust and safety upgrades like a Screen Time redesign, and major upgrades to Siri and Apple Intelligence. The update will be supported all the way back to the iPhone 11.

This week’s Apple headlines: iPhone 18 Pro upgrades, encrypted RCS arrives in iOS, OLED MacBook Pro dates, Fortnite back in the App Store, Eddy Cue goes to Cannes, and

Apple’s iOS 26.5 release candidate points to RCS encryption, Maps ad changes, EU device support, and App Store subscription updates.

Installing the iOS 27 beta on your primary iPhone can be exciting—until you encounter critical app crashes, rapid battery drain, or overheating issues. If you’re ready to leave the beta cycle and return to the stable iOS 26,

This is at least the second feature rumored for Apple Wallet in iOS 27. An earlier leak revealed that the Wallet app will add support for converting physical passes to digital passes. For example, you might be able to take a photo of your gym membership’s barcode and create a version of that to store in Apple Wallet.