New from Apple: iOS 26.5 Features, Mac Buying Tips, and More
As Apple gears up for WWDC and the unveiling of iOS 27, the company is rolling out iOS 26.5 with a few notable updates. Meanwhile, changes to the Mac lineup—including a price bump for the Mac mini and surprising demand for the MacBook Neo—are reshaping buying decisions. Below, we break down the key stories in an easy-to-digest Q&A format.
What new features does iOS 26.5 bring to iPhones?
iOS 26.5 introduces three major enhancements. First, end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging between iOS and Android devices is now enabled, but only with supported carriers—a security upgrade that will expand over time. Second, Apple Maps gains a “Suggested Places” section that recommends locations based on your current spot and recent searches. Later this year, this area will begin showing ads in the U.S. and Canada. Third, a vibrant Pride Luminance wallpaper is available, dynamically refracting a spectrum of colors. It also comes with a Pride Edition Sport Loop and a matching watch face, celebrating LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
Why might you want to delay buying a MacBook Pro right now?
Apple refreshed the 14‑ and 16‑inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips in March 2026—but the design hasn’t changed since 2021. If you’re after cutting-edge looks and display tech, it makes sense to wait. A redesigned “MacBook Ultra” with a new screen and faster performance is rumored for late 2026 or early 2027. While current models are perfectly capable, the upcoming revamp promises a more significant leap forward.
What happened to the $599 Mac mini and what is its new starting price?
Apple has discontinued the 256GB storage option for the Mac mini worldwide. As a result, the cheapest configuration now starts at $799 in the U.S., which buys an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Previously, you could get the same chip and RAM with only 256GB for $599. The move reflects broader industry memory shortages and growing demand for AI-ready machines.
Why did Apple stop selling the 256GB Mac mini?
The decision to remove the 256GB storage tier is linked to industry‑wide memory shortages and strong demand for high‑RAM configurations, especially from customers using Macs for AI tasks. Apple is also cutting some Mac Studio models. These shortages have affected the entire memory supply chain, forcing Apple to adjust its lineup to meet the most popular configurations.
How is Apple handling the unexpected demand for the MacBook Neo?
Apple’s most affordable MacBook ever has seen “off the charts” demand, catching the company off guard. Internal comments suggest Apple was surprised by the volume of orders. The company is now wrestling with how to ramp up production to keep up, potentially reevaluating supply allocations to avoid long delays for customers.
What is the Pride Luminance wallpaper and how do you get it?
The Pride Luminance wallpaper is a new dynamic background that refracts a spectrum of colors. It’s available on iPhones and iPads running iOS 26.5 or iPadOS 26.5. The wallpaper was released alongside a Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch and a matching Pride Luminance watch face. Apple says the artwork honors LGBTQ+ communities around the globe, and it can be downloaded from the Settings app after updating.
How does the RCS encryption work in iOS 26.5?
iOS 26.5 brings end-to-end encryption to RCS messaging when communicating between iOS and Android devices. This means that messages sent via the standard RCS protocol are now fully encrypted, preventing anyone—including Apple or Google—from reading them. The feature is rolling out gradually and is limited to supported carriers in various countries. Users on both platforms will need carrier support to take advantage of this security upgrade, which Apple says will expand over time.