Earlier this week, Apple released the iOS 26.5 beta for developers, and now we know what changes are included in the release.<\/p>\n
Most of the changes are pretty minor, but here’s everything Apple’s early adopters have spotted so far.<\/p>\n
iOS 26.5 beta: A notable absence<\/p>\n
As Apple readies the long-awaited AI version of Siri<\/a> (which will be powered by Google Gemini<\/a>), developers and journalists are keeping a very close eye on every new iOS update.<\/p>\n However, there’s no sign of the new Gemini-powered Siri in this particular beta. <\/p>\n In all likelihood, Apple will debut the new and hopefully improved Siri with iOS 27.<\/p>\n \n Mashable Light Speed\n <\/p>\n iOS 26.5 beta: What’s new<\/p>\n So, what is new with this release?<\/p>\n The most notable changes is visible within Apple Maps. As we reported previously, rumor has it that advertisements will soon be coming to Apple Maps<\/a>, and Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for these ads in the iOS 26.5 beta.<\/p>\n Within Apple Maps searches, you’ll now see a Suggested Places tab (as spotted by MacRumors<\/a>). Presumably, this is where the future Apple Maps ads will live.<\/p>\n Other changes include:<\/p>\n You can more eaily pair “Magic” Apple accessories with your iPhone (as reported by our colleagues at Lifehacker<\/a>)<\/p>\n MacRumors reports that Apple brought back end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iOS and Android devices<\/p>\n Updates to StoreKit for developers<\/p>\n EU-specific changes for third-party wearables and accessories (read more at 9to5mac<\/a>)<\/p>\n Wallpaper bug fixes<\/p>\n How to try iOS 26.5 beta<\/p>\n To try iOS 26.5 beta (and the iPadOS 26.5 beta), you’ll need to sign up for the Apple beta software program<\/a>. This will allow you to try out pre-release versions of upcoming iOS updates. As a best practice, always back up your device before installing a beta version of a new OS update.<\/p>\n