Apple Releases iOS 26.5.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 With Targeted Bug Fixes

Apple has released iOS 26.5.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.5.1, two maintenance updates that each address a single hardware specific bug

Marcus Reed··4 min read
iPhone and MacBook

Apple has released iOS 26.5.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.5.1, two maintenance updates that each address a single hardware specific bug and add no new features.

The iOS update fixes a wired charging problem on the iPhone 17 lineup and the iPhone Air, while the macOS update resolves unexpected shutdowns on some M5 Macs. Both are available now through Software Update.

iOS 26.5.1 fixes a wired charging bug

iOS 26.5.1 carries build number 23F81 and is available only for the iPhone 17 family and the iPhone Air. That includes the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone 17e.

According to Apple's release notes, the update addresses an issue for a small number of users that could prevent wired charging on those models when the battery is nearly drained.

Because the fix is tied to recent hardware, older iPhones are not receiving this version. The latest software for other iOS 26 devices remains iOS 26.5.

Apple did not publish any security release notes for the update, indicating there are no associated CVE entries. Eligible iPhones can download it over the air by going to Settings, then General, then Software Update.

macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 fixes M5 Mac shutdowns

macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 carries build number 25F80 and targets a bug that could cause some M5 Macs to shut down unexpectedly while using certain content filtering network extensions.

Content filtering extensions monitor and secure network traffic, and organizations use them to manage company owned devices. As a result, the problem was concentrated in enterprise, education, and other managed deployments rather than in typical consumer use.

Apple did not say how many users were affected. While the documented fix targets M5 Macs, the update is available to all supported Macs and weighs in at roughly 2GB. As with the iOS update, Apple published no security notes.

Organizations running M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with content filtering extensions may want to prioritize the update. Most consumers are unlikely to notice any visible change after installing it.

Part of a run of stability fixes

Both releases continue a pattern of small, targeted patches across Apple's current software cycle.

Apple released iOS 26.5 and macOS Tahoe 26.5 in May. The iOS release added end to end encryption for cross platform RCS messaging and a Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps. The macOS release fixed a bug that could leave some Macs stuck on a black screen after a software update, resolved unexpected restarts while mounting SMB network shares, and addressed earlier restart issues on certain M5 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models using content filtering extensions.

Apple is also beta testing iOS 26.6 and macOS Tahoe 26.6 for developers. Future updates to the current generation are expected to focus on bug fixes and performance rather than new features.

Ahead of WWDC

The point releases arrive about a week before WWDC 2026, where Apple is expected to introduce iOS 27 and the next version of macOS during the keynote on June 8.

With work on the current generation winding down, iOS 26.5.1 and macOS Tahoe 26.5.1 may be among the final maintenance updates before the next software cycle begins.

Users can install either update by opening Settings on iPhone or System Settings on Mac, selecting General, and choosing Software Update.

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