Apple released iOS 26.5 beta 1 for developers today. The update doesn’t include any of the highly-anticipated new Siri features, but there are a few changes worth noting. Head below for the full roundup of everything new in iOS 26.5 beta 1.
iOS 26.5 beta 1 details
iOS 26.5 beta 1 features the build number 23F5043g. It’s available for developers, with a public beta expected as soon as later this week or early next week.
In addition to iOS 26.5, Apple today released iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5 for developers.
iOS 26.5: What’s new?
Suggested Places in Apple Maps
Earlier this month, Apple announced that ads are coming to Apple Maps this summer. At the same time, the company also announced a new “Suggested Places” feature.
The. new Suggested Places feature is live in iOS 26.5, and Apple says it will “display recommendations based on what’s trending nearby, the user’s recent searches, and more.”
The new Suggested Places feature will appear tap inside the search box in the Apple Maps app.
Read more: iOS 26.5 adds new Apple Maps feature for trending places
Groundwork for ads in Apple Maps
While ads aren’t yet live in Apple Maps, Aaron Perris notes on social media that Apple has started laying the groundwork: “Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search.”
RCS end-to-end encryption
Apple started testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages as part of the iOS 26.4 betas. The feature, however, didn’t actually ship as part of that update, and Apple said it would come as part of a future iOS 26 update.
iOS 26.5 includes end-to-end encryption for RCS messages once again. It’s unclear if the feature will actually ship when iOS 26.5 is released to the general public, but Apple’s release notes no longer suggest otherwise.
Read more: iOS 26.5’s Messages app has RCS end-to-end encryption in beta
App Store purchase options
In the release notes for iOS 26.5, Apple says there will be new purchase options in the App Store for developers. The big change here sounds like an option that will let users be billed monthly, but with a 12-month commitment.
“You can read pricing information for subscriptions that have a monthly with 12-month commitment billing plan configuration…”
“You can specify the billing plan type to use for subscriptions that have a monthly with 12-month commitment billing plan configuration…”
We’re still waiting on more details for this to know exactly what it means for developers.
Read more: iOS 26.5 might add new in-app options for subscriptions
EU changes
iOS 26.5 also continues testing new features in the European Union. The update specifically introduces Live Activities support for third-party accessories. This will allow accessories to receive and display Live Activities from an iPhone.
Apple hasn’t published any documentation about this feature publicly, and it’s unclear which accessories might support the capability at launch.
Apple is also continuing to test other updates in the EU as part of iOS 26.5, including notifications and proximity pairing for third-party accessories. It’s unknown when these features will actually ship.
Read more: iOS 26.5 adds Live Activities support for third-party accessories in the EU
More iOS 26.5 changes
There are a few smaller changes in iOS 26.5:
Accessory pairing: Now, when you plug in a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to your iPhone, it will automatically remain connected via Bluetooth.
New Inuktitut keyboard layout.
There are hints at new “Year In Review for 2026” features for Apple Books, including titles and medals for things like The Loyal Reader, Reading Royalty, The Power Reader, and more.
When transferring your data from iPhone to Android, there are new options when sharing message attachments: None, 30 days, 1-year, or all.
Wrap up: iOS 26.5
If you spot anything else new in iOS 26.5 beta 1, be sure to let us know down in the comments.
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