iOS 26.5, Apple’s most recent mobile operating system, was just made available to developers. This usually indicates that the most recent version of iOS will soon be available to the public.
With the release of iOS 26.5, Apple Maps will get new features—that is, if you count the platform’s ads as a new feature, as Apple does. With the most recent iOS, Apple is introducing advertisements into its exclusive Apple Maps app. Apple is currently aggressively looking for sponsors, as we originally revealed in March.
According to Apple, advertisements will have clear labels. Similar to how app developers can run advertisements in Apple’s App Store, businesses will be able to offer paid advertising on Apple Maps. Based on a user’s location, local advertisements will appear on Apple Maps. Advertisements will appear in Suggested Places and Apple Maps search results.
Speaking of Suggested Places, iOS 26.5 will bring yet another new feature to Apple Maps. This area isn’t just for advertisements, even though they will appear there. Based on the user’s most recent searches and what other local Apple Maps users are looking for, Suggested Places will offer recommendations.
There will be more new features in iOS 26.5, but those are the main ones. For instance, the iPhone will automatically establish a Bluetooth connection with iOS 26.5 when a user attaches Apple devices, such as the Magic Keyboard, to the device via USB-C.
A new option setting to choose which message attachments to include in the transfer is available when transferring from an iPhone to an Android device running iOS 26.5. Users have three options: all, one year, and thirty days.
Additionally, a new Trophies and Medals feature in Apple Books rewards customers according to their reading and audiobook habits.
Lastly, with iOS 26.5, Apple will also provide a new iPhone wallpaper honouring Pride. The Pride wallpaper will go with the Pride band and watch face that were previously revealed for the Apple Watch.
Additionally, iOS 26.5 might introduce a new function for EU users. Apple is required by the EU’s Digital Markets Act to permit third-party headphones and smartwatches to use iPhone functions including notification, Live Activities, and AirPods pairing.
Although feature was present in earlier iOS beta releases, such as the iOS 26.5 beta, it has not yet been made available to the general public. We’ll see if Apple adds it to iOS 26.5 this time.
