Apple seeded iOS 26.5 RC to registered developers on May 4, 2026, marking the final pre-release milestone before public availability. The build introduces RCS end-to-end encryption in the Messages app as a carrier-supported beta, Maps search results now include a Sponsored Places section, a Pride Luminance wallpaper is added, and a new App Store billing option allows monthly charges with a 12-month commitment. The billing change ships globally except in the United States and Singapore and applies equally to iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, and visionOS 26.5. For developers, the RC signals that the public release is imminent and represents the build most likely to match GM. The RCS encryption feature requires carrier support and is rolling out in beta, so apps relying on fallback SMS flows should be retested. The App Store billing change affects subscription pricing presentation in storefronts, and developers offering auto-renewable subscriptions in affected regions should verify their pricing pages and receipt validation paths before the public release lands.