Apple released versions 26.5 of its main operating systems this week. iOS, iPadOS and watchOS received simultaneous updates focused on stability, performance and fixing security flaws. The launch follows the company’s biannual schedule and arrives three months after the previous version.
Battery and interface Otimizações on iOS 26.5
iOS 26.5 introduces significant power management improvements for iPhones of all generations. The smart charging algorithm now detects usage patterns with greater accuracy, reducing energy consumption by up to 8% in everyday tasks such as browsing and social media. Application launch times were reduced by an average of 12%, offering users a more fluid experience.
The interface received visual adjustments that improve usability. Ícones notification now display summary information without needing to open the application. The control panel has improved organization, allowing more granular customization of shortcuts. The privacy system has been reinforced with new real-time camera and microphone access indicators, offering greater transparency about which applications access sensitive resources.
More on this story: Apple releases iOS 26.5 with battery optimizations and critical vulnerability fixes
Avanços on iPadOS with multi-window support
Para iPadOS, changes include better integration with mouse and trackpad, expanding navigation gestures for greater fluidity in the transition between applications. The split view function now supports up to three simultaneous windows, different from the previous two, especially benefiting designers and content producers. The expanded color palette in the native design app offers more creative possibilities for professionals.
Correção of 47 critical security vulnerabilities
Apple fixed 47 vulnerabilities cataloged in iOS 26.4, involving unauthorized access to user data through malicious applications. The flaws were discovered by independent security researchers at Europa and Ásia. Nenhuma active exploit was confirmed before the update was released.
Três critical vulnerabilities received zero-day patch. The first affected the Safari browser, allowing password theft through malicious websites. The second compromised Bluetooth, opening a window for proximity attacks on paired devices. The third affected the Apple Pay payment system, preventing unauthorized transactions.
Learn more: Apple launches iPhone 17 Air with 5.5 mm and system that makes stolen parts unusable
Novos cardiovascular sensors in watchOS 26.5
watchOS 26.5 debuts support for advanced cardiovascular health monitoring with new sensors that detect heart rhythm irregularities with 94% accuracy, according to internal tests by Apple. The Saúde app displays personalized alerts based on data collected during physical activity and rest. The Apple Watch’s battery now lasts up to 20% longer on a full charge, as a result of optimizing power consumption in synchronization operations with the iPhone.
- iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max receive all new features.
- iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 maintain full compatibility with iOS 26.5.
- iPad Air (5th generation) and 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro support iPadOS 26.5.
- Apple Watch Series 7, 8, Ultra and Apple Watch SE (1st and 2nd generations) receive watchOS 26.5.
- iPhone 11 and iPad Air from 2020 only receive security patches in version 25.8.
Processo Installation and Device Compatibility
Downloading iOS 26.5 requires a minimum of 2.5 GB of free space on your device. Apple recommends connecting iPhone to Wi-Fi 5GHz during the update process. The complete installation takes between 15 and 40 minutes depending on the connection speed and device performance. Usuários can enable automatic updating in system settings, and most iPhones will receive the version within the next seven days through wave distribution.
Older Dispositivos like the iPhone 11 and 2020 iPad Air will only receive security patches, following Apple’s historical policy of limiting major updates to devices less than six years old. The company suggested downloading within 30 days to keep security up to date, although there is no mandatory deadline for updating.
Desempenho confirmed in beta testing
Participantes from the beta program reported improved performance in demanding 3D games and video editing applications opened 18% faster compared to previous version. The reported crash rate dropped 34% compared to iPadOS 26.4. Multitasking Atividades on tablets now runs without crashes even with ten applications open simultaneously, confirming the effectiveness of the implemented optimizations.