Apple released versions 26.5 of its main operating systems this week, marking a cycle of simultaneous updates on iOS, iPadOS and watchOS. The release focuses efforts on stability, performance and fixing security vulnerabilities. The update arrives three months after the previous version, maintaining the biannual schedule established by the Cupertino company.
Battery and performance Otimizações on iOS 26.5
The new iOS 26.5 brings significant power management improvements to iPhones of all generations. The smart charging algorithm has been improved to detect usage patterns with greater accuracy, resulting in up to an 8% reduction in energy consumption during everyday tasks such as browsing and social media. Application launch times also decreased by an average of 12%, providing a more fluid experience for users.
The interface received visual adjustments that impact daily usability. Ícones notifications now display summary information without needing to open the application, saving time. The control panel has improved organization with more granular customization of shortcuts. The privacy system has been reinforced with new indicators that show in real time when the camera and microphone are being accessed by applications.
Expansão features on iPadOS
Para iPad users, iPadOS 26.5 offers better mouse and trackpad integration, expanding navigation gestures for more fluid transitions between apps. The split view function now supports up to three simultaneous windows, compared to the previous two, expanding multitasking possibilities. Designers and content producers benefit from the new expanded color palette in the platform’s native design app.
Critical Security Vulnerabilities Correção
Apple fixed 47 cataloged vulnerabilities in iOS 26.4, most discovered by independent security researchers at Europa and Ásia. Três critical vulnerabilities have received zero-day patches, including:
- Brecha in the Safari browser that allowed password theft through malicious websites.
- Falha on the Bluetooth system that opened a window for proximity attacks on paired devices.
- Vulnerabilidade into Apple Pay which could allow unauthorized transactions.
Nenhuma active exploit was confirmed before the update was released. Correcting these flaws reinforces Apple’s commitment to the security of user data on their devices.
Avanços on watchOS 26.5 and health monitoring
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 periods, offering greater control over the user’s health.
The Apple Watch’s battery now lasts up to 20% longer on a full charge thanks to optimized power consumption in sync operations with the iPhone. Contudo, previous models such as Series 6 and previous generations will not receive this version, maintaining compatibility only with Series 7 onwards.
Compatibilidade Devices and Installation
The update is available for iPhone 12, 13 and 14 in all variations, 5th generation iPad Air, 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro, as well as Apple Watch Series 7, 8 and Ultra. Older Dispositivos such as iPhone 11 and 2020 iPad Air will only receive security patches in version 25.8, without access to new features, following Apple’s historical policy of limiting major updates to devices less than six years old.
The download requires a minimum of 2.5 GB of free space on the device, with a recommended Wi-Fi 5GHz connection during the process. The complete installation takes between 15 and 40 minutes depending on the connection speed and device performance. Usuários can enable automatic updates in system settings, rolling out in waves over the next seven days. Apple suggested downloading within 30 days to keep security up to date, although there is no mandatory deadline.
Participantes from the beta program reported better performance in demanding 3D games and 18% faster opening of video editing applications. The crash rate dropped 34% compared to iPadOS 26.4, with multitasking activities on tablets running without crashes even with ten apps open simultaneously. The release consolidates Apple’s commitment to offering updates that combine new functionality with robust security.
