Apple Seeds iOS 26.5 Developer Beta with Key Updates
Apple has officially seeded the first developer beta of iOS 26.5, arriving less than a week after the public release of iOS 26.4. The update, identified by build number 23F5043g, has a download size of just over 8GB on the iPhone 17 Pro. This rapid follow-up beta indicates Apple's aggressive development cycle as it prepares for future major releases.
No Siri Improvements in This Release
The headline disappointment for many users is the complete absence of Siri enhancements. Apple had reportedly targeted iOS 26.5 for at least some components of its long-delayed Gemini-powered Siri overhaul, which was expected to include on-screen awareness, personal context integration, and deep app functionality. However, none of these features made it into this beta build. All indications now point to iOS 27, which is anticipated to enter beta testing after the WWDC keynote on June 8.
Apple Maps Gets Ads Foundation and Suggested Places
What iOS 26.5 does introduce is a new Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps. This functionality recommends locations based on trending nearby spots and users' recent search history. More significantly, Apple is laying the groundwork for advertisements inside Maps. Code within the beta references local ads that will be served based on approximate location, search terms, and map view. These ads will carry a clear "ad" label and are expected to go live this summer, marking a new revenue stream for Apple's mapping service.
RCS Encryption Returns to Beta
End-to-end encryption for RCS messages has been reinstated in the beta after being removed from the final iOS 26.4 release. The toggle for this feature is located in Settings under Messages and is enabled by default. When active, conversations between iPhone and Android users receive the same level of encryption protection that iMessage has always provided, enhancing cross-platform security.
EU Interoperability Features Expand
In compliance with the European Union's Digital Markets Act, Apple is testing expanded interoperability features. iOS 26.5 adds Live Activities support for third-party accessories, allowing smartwatches and similar wearable devices to mirror live updates from an iPhone. Additionally, notification forwarding, which was previously limited to the EU, appears to be expanding globally in this beta release, potentially benefiting users worldwide.
Smaller Additions and Enhancements
The beta includes several smaller but notable additions:
- Automatic Bluetooth pairing when connecting a Magic Keyboard to an iPhone via USB-C.
- A new Inuktitut keyboard layout for improved language support.
- New App Store subscription options that allow developers to offer monthly billing with a 12-month commitment, providing more flexibility for users.
A public beta of iOS 26.5 is expected to be released later this week, allowing a broader audience to test these new features before the official rollout.
