Apple today provided public beta testers with the first betas of iOS 26.6, iPadOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6, watchOS 26.6, and tvOS 26.6, with the software coming two days after Apple seeded the betas to developers.


After signing up to beta test the software updates on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the new software using the Software Update section in the Settings app on each device.

iOS 26.6 has a feature that will let you know when you have blocked too many contacts, but the limit is in the thousands so most users may not ever see the messaging.

No other major new features have been found in any of the software updates, with Apple likely focusing on bug fixes and security improvements. We're nearing the end of the "26" software cycle, with Apple planning to unveil iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and more in 11 days.
This article, "Apple Seeds First Public Betas of iOS 26.6, macOS Tahoe 26.6 and More" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's iOS 26.6 update appears to add new wording around blocked contact limits, though it is unclear if the actual limits have changed.


Code in the beta suggests users will get a warning if they exceed the maximum number of blocked contacts. "You've reached the maximum number of blocked contacts. To block additional callers, remove a blocked contact in Settings," reads the alert, which is titled "Blocked Contacts Limit Reached."

Based on discussions on social media and Apple's Support Communities, some users have been unable to block additional contacts after hitting a 20,000 limit. Other people have mentioned running into issues after 8,000, and some have experienced issues with even fewer phone numbers blocked. Apple does not offer documentation on blocking limits.

With limits in the thousands at least, it's unlikely most people have had blocking problems, though a person who is blocking spam callers regularly could eventually hit a cap. iOS 26.6 might make it clearer when a limit has been reached, and what to do about it.

Removing older blocked contacts is the solution, which can be done by going to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts. There is no bulk unblocking tool, and the easiest way to remove a contact is to swipe left on each entry. Alternatively, you can select Edit, tap on the red minus button next to each contact, and choose the unblock option.

iOS 26 added an Ask Reason for Calling option that sends calls from people who aren't in your Contacts directly to voicemail, which is an easier option for spam call management than blocking phone numbers. With the feature turned on, a caller can state their reason for calling and the person receiving the call can decide whether to pick up. Alternatively, all calls from unknown numbers can be silenced and sent to voicemail with no alert using the Silence option.

Missed calls and voicemails from unknown callers can also be filtered into a separate Unknown Callers list in the Phone app. Some carriers also offer a separate spam detection option that can send calls from known spammers to the Spam list.

Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 26.6 to developers today, and the software may soon be made available to public beta testers. A public release is likely several weeks away. So far, there are no other known features in iOS 26.6.
This article, "iOS 26.6 Will Alert You When You've Maxed Out Blocked Contacts" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming two weeks after Apple released iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

With the debut of iOS 27 approaching in early June, Apple is wrapping up work on iOS 26. We are not expecting any major new features in the iOS 26.6 update, and it will likely focus on bug fixes and performance improvements.
This article, "Apple Seeds First iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 Betas to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.5.1, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions.


iOS 26.5.1 will almost certainly be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released by the end of next week.

The logs show that Apple has ramped up testing of iOS 26.6 as well, with a first beta of that update likely to be released at some point in June. iOS 26.6 will likely be a minor update as well. Last year, Apple seeded the first beta of iOS 18.6 to developers on Monday, June 16, which was three days after WWDC 2025 ended.

Apple is shifting its attention towards iOS 27, which is set to be unveiled during the WWDC 2026 keynote on Monday, June 8 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.
This article, "iOS 26.5.1 Update for iPhones is Coming Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The iPhone Voice Messages feature is quite useful and fun, allowing for audio recordings to be sent to and from people in the Messages app. Voice Messaging allows people to hear your voice, and you to hear theirs, and for many people it’s easier to speak into their iPhone rather than tap out a long ... Read More

Apple has released iOS 26.5 for iPhone, along with ipadOS 26.5 for iPad. The new software updates include bug fixes, security patches, and a few new features, including encrypted RCS messaging on supported carriers (basically for encrypted texting between iPhone and Android users), a new customizable Pride wallpaper, and “Suggested Places” in Apple Maps. Separately, ... Read More

Apple today seeded new release candidate versions of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming five days after the first RC. It's not clear what's changed in the second RC, but Apple typically sends out another candidate if there are bugs that need to be addressed.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri capabilities, suggesting any ‌Siri‌ updates are being held until iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches, plus Apple is laying the groundwork for ads in the Apple Maps app.

Apple is continuing to test end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple included the feature in the iOS 26.4 beta, but removed it before the update launched to the public.

There is a new Pride wallpaper to go along with the Pride Apple Watch band for this year.

More detail on what's new in iOS 26.5 can be found in our iOS 26.5 beta features guide. iOS 26.5 is likely to see a launch next week.
This article, "Apple Seeds Second iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Release Candidates to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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The newest versions of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 have another Accessibility toggle that can help to further reduce the intensity of the Liquid Glass interface appearance for iPhone and iPad, called “Reduce Bright Effects”. As you might have guessed by the name alone, toggling the switch on will eliminate the brighter and flashier effects ... Read More

Apple today seeded the fourth betas of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after Apple released the third betas.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri capabilities, suggesting any ‌Siri‌ updates are being held until iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches, plus Apple is laying the groundwork for ads in the Apple Maps app.

Apple is continuing to test end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple included the feature in the iOS 26.4 beta, but removed it before the update launched to the public.

In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables like earbuds and smartwatches. The functionality will allow third-party wearables to have many of the same features as the Apple Watch and AirPods.

More detail on what's new in iOS 26.5 can be found in our iOS 26.5 beta features guide.
This article, "Apple Seeds Fourth iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Betas to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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iOS 26.4.2 has been released by Apple for iPhone, along with ipadOS 26.4.2 for iPad. Both updates include important security fixes, as well as unspecified bug fixes, for the iPhone and iPad. The security patch apparently addresses an issue with data being retained in notifications, which had allowed extraction of deleted Signal messages from notifications ... Read More

The Liquid Glass interface is highly translucent and layered with various depth and visual effects, and while some users may like the glitz and shine, there are others who find the transparency and reduced contrast to be difficult to use. Introduced with iOS 26, the Liquid Glass look has been a hit with some and ... Read More

Apple today seeded the third betas of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming a week after Apple released the second betas.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri capabilities, suggesting any ‌Siri‌ updates are being held until iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches, plus Apple is laying the groundwork for ads in the Apple Maps app.

Apple is continuing to test end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple included the feature in the iOS 26.4 beta, but removed it before the update launched to the public.

In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables like earbuds and smartwatches. The functionality will allow third-party wearables to have many of the same features as the Apple Watch and AirPods.

More detail on what's new in iOS 26.5 can be found in our iOS 26.5 beta features guide.
This article, "Apple Seeds Third iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Betas to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.4.2, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions.


iOS 26.4.2 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities, and it will likely be released either this week or next week.

iOS 26.4.2 will come after iOS 26.4.1 and before iOS 26.5.

iOS 26.4.1 was released earlier this month. The update fixes a few bugs, including one that affected iCloud data syncing in select apps.

iOS 26.5 is in beta. The update lays the groundwork for Apple Maps ads and end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the Messages app, but it is a minor update overall as Apple starts to shift its attention towards iOS 27.
This article, "iOS 26.4.2 Update for iPhones is Coming Soon" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today stopped signing iOS 26.4, so iPhone users who have updated to iOS 26.4.1 are no longer able to downgrade to the earlier version of iOS. iOS 26.4.1 came out a week ago.


When software is "signed," it means it can pass the server-side verification check that Apple does when a user downloads a new version of iOS on an iPhone. An update that's not signed can't be installed because it won't pass the verification check.

Apple does not show users earlier versions of iOS after an upgrade has been released, but when software is still signed, it is possible to downgrade with the macOS Finder app on a Mac or the Apple Devices app on a Windows PC.

Unsigning software prevents Apple customers from installing outdated, less secure versions of iOS, and Apple typically stops signing an update a week or so after new software comes out.

iOS 26.4.1 fixed iCloud syncing issues and Stolen Device Protection on enterprise devices. While iOS 26.4.1 is the current publicly available version of iOS, Apple is also beta testing an iOS 26.5 update.
This article, "iOS 26.4 No Longer Signed by Apple, Blocking Downgrades From iOS 26.4.1" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today provided public beta testers with the second releases of upcoming iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and tvOS 26.5 updates for testing purposes. The public betas come a day after Apple provided the betas to developers.


After signing up for beta testing on Apple's beta site, public beta testers can download the updates using the Software Update section of the Settings app on each device.

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 include a new Suggested Places feature for recommending nearby locations to visit, and Apple is also gearing up to start showing ads in Maps.

Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users again, and there are proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables in the EU.
This article, "Apple Releases Second iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5 and watchOS 26.5 Public Betas" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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American Airlines is now supporting the enhanced boarding pass feature that Apple added in iOS 26. The app's latest update says boarding passes in the Wallet app feature an updated look with Apple Maps integration, destination guides, and luggage tracking capabilities.


Apple revamped boarding passes in ‌iOS 26‌ to make them more useful to passengers who are using their iPhones for flights in lieu of a paper boarding pass. Boarding passes have maps for navigating through airports, an option to tap into Find My to track items equipped with AirTags, and tools for reporting missing bags to airlines. From American Airlines:

Your boarding pass has a new look with more at your fingertips, like Apple Maps, destination guides, and quick shortcuts to the app. You can also track your luggage and open Find My right from your pass.

Airlines need to opt in to the new boarding passes and update their apps with support. United Airlines, Air Canada, and Southwest already have the enhanced boarding passes. Delta briefly added support, but removed it shortly after.

Apple also implemented Live Activities support for airlines so users can get real-time updates on a flight in ‌iOS 26‌, but it is not clear if American Airlines is supporting that feature based on the app's release notes.

Back in June 2025, Apple said American Airlines was one of the airlines that would add support for the refreshed boarding passes. Other airlines listed included Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Australia.

American Airlines has also supported the ‌Find My‌ lost luggage tracking feature since February 2025. In iOS 18, Apple worked with airlines to make it easier for airline employees to locate lost baggage using AirTags.
This article, "American Airlines Now Supports iOS 26's Revamped Wallet Boarding Passes" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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With the second beta of iOS 26.5, Apple is continuing to prepare for ads in the Apple Maps app. There's a new splash screen in the app that says it will display ads based on approximate location, current search terms, or a view of the map when searching. Ads will also be shown in the "Suggested Places" section that was added in the first beta.


Apple says that advertising information is not linked to an Apple Account to preserve user privacy, so ads viewed and interacted with will not be associated with an Apple Account. Data is not collected or stored by Apple and not shared with third parties, according to Apple.

Signs of ads in the Maps app were spotted in the first beta, but iOS 26.5 testers could start seeing ads with the second beta. It's not yet clear if Apple has just implemented the splash screen, or if ads are going to begin showing up in the near future.


Apple announced plans to introduce ads for the Maps app back in March, with ads set to roll out to the public "this summer." Apple plans to include ads in the Maps app on iPhone, iPad, and Mac in the United States and Canada.

Ads in ‌Apple Maps‌ will have an "Ad" label, much like ads in the App Store.
This article, "Apple Maps Ads Move Closer to Launch With iOS 26.5 Beta 2" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple today seeded the second betas of upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming two weeks after Apple released updated first betas.


Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.

iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri capabilities, suggesting any ‌Siri‌ updates are being held until iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature for recommending locations to visit nearby based on trends and recent searches, plus Apple is laying the groundwork for ads in the Apple Maps app.

Apple is continuing to test end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple included the feature in the iOS 26.4 beta, but removed it before the update launched to the public.

In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and Live Activities for third-party wearables like earbuds and smartwatches. The functionality will allow third-party wearables to have many of the same features as the Apple Watch and AirPods.

More detail on what's new in iOS 26.5 can be found in our iOS 26.5 beta features guide.
This article, "Apple Seeds Second iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 Betas to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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Apple has released iOS 26.4.1 for iPhone, along with ipadOS 26.4.1 for iPad, both to address unspecified bug fixes. Because no specific bug fixes are mentioned in the release notes or with the download, it’s unclear as of now what exactly has been addressed, but obviously Apple felt it important enough to issue a software ... Read More

Apple is continuing to highlight the Liquid Glass aesthetic that it introduced in iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26. The company has shared an updated Liquid Glass Design Gallery that shows off Liquid Glass in third-party apps.


The visual gallery features several iPhone and iPad apps, with screenshots that show the difference between app design in iOS 18 and ‌iOS 26‌.

In the latest edition of our new design gallery, find out how teams of all sizes are taking advantage of the new design and Liquid Glass to create natural, responsive experiences across Apple platforms.

Apps included in the gallery have adopted Liquid Glass for elements like tab bars, navigation buttons, bottom toolbars, and more. Apple also highlights pop-out menu interfaces and the separate search buttons that some apps have implemented, both of which are Liquid Glass design elements that Apple has added to its own apps.

AllTrails, Carrot Weather, Fantastical, Kroger, SketchPro, Trello, and Le Monde are among the apps featured.

Apple previously shared a Liquid Glass gallery after the ‌iOS 26‌ launch, and that gallery provides more Liquid Glass design examples.

Since debuting Liquid Glass, Apple has made small changes like adding a slider bar to the Lock Screen clock for adjusting the Liquid Glass level, but no major updates have been introduced. Rumors suggest that iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 will continue to feature the Liquid Glass aesthetic with little change, but Apple could also add a system-wide slider bar for Liquid Glass opacity adjustments.
This article, "Apple Continues Promoting iOS 26 and macOS 26 Liquid Glass With Updated Design Gallery" first appeared on MacRumors.com

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