Apple releases iOS 26.5 as final major iOS 26 update
Updated
Updated · Geeky Gadgets · May 2
Apple releases iOS 26.5 as final major iOS 26 update
9 articles · Updated · Geeky Gadgets · May 2
The update is expected to reach beta users via a Release Candidate around 4 May and all users around 11-12 May, with an approximately 8GB download requiring 14-15GB free storage.
It adds a new wallpaper, fixes frame drops seen in iOS 26.4 and prioritises reliability, though some users have reported battery life falling by about 5-6%.
Apple is expected to unveil the iOS 27 beta on 8 June, while smaller iOS 26.5.1 and 26.6 updates are anticipated over the summer.
Is the 'innovation-then-stabilization' cycle of iOS 26 and 27 Apple's new blueprint for future software development?
Why is Apple adding major features like RCS encryption to a release publicly framed as a simple stability update?