Following last month’s release of iOS 26.4, Apple is now beta testing iOS 26.5. The update will likely be released to everyone next month. Here are all the details on new features and changes on the way for iPhone users with iOS 26.5.
So far, Apple has only released iOS 26.5 beta 1. The update is available to developers and public beta users. iPhone users can head to the Settings app, choose General, then choose Software Update to manage their beta enrollment.
I expect iOS 26.5 beta 2 to be released as soon as next week.
As my colleague Ryan outlined recently, iOS 26.5 will likely be released to the general public sometime in early May.
Last month, Apple announced its plans to bring ads to Apple Maps this summer. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for that change, adding the following text: “Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search.”
iOS 26.5 also enables a new Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps. This feature, which you can see above, will “display recommendations based on what’s trending nearby, the user’s recent searches, and more.”
Apple started testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging with iOS 26.4. The feature, however, didn’t actually ship as part of that update. Apple said it would come as part of a future iOS 26 update.
With iOS 26.5 beta 1, RCS encryption has returned to the Messages app. The feature is enabled by default. You can manage the option by going to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging, where you’ll see a new “End-to-End Encryption (Beta)” toggle.
Apple’s release notes for iOS 26.5 don’t include any mention of the feature not shipping with iOS 26.5, unlike the iOS 26.4 release notes. We’ll have to wait and see to know for sure.
According to Apple’s developer release notes, iOS 26.5 will enable new purchase options in the App Store. This will include an option that will let developers bill users monthly, but with a 12-month commitment. This is common on many other app store-style platforms and with many subscription services.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before: there are more changes for iPhone users in the EU. As part of iOS 26.5, Apple is testing Live Activities support for third-party accessories. This will allow accessories to receive and display Live Activities from an iPhone.
Additionally, there’s continued development of support for notifications and proximity pairing for third-party accessories. Third-party audio switching is also in the works.
With iOS 26.5, it’s now easier to pair a Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse to your iPhone. When you connect one of those accessories to your iPhone via USB-C, it will now remain connected via Bluetooth once you unplug it. You no longer have to pair it manually the Settings app.
Finally, iOS 26.5 introduces a few minor updates:
As you can see, iOS 26.5 is a relatively small update compared to iOS 26.4. Internally, a lot of Apple’s attention is dedicated to iOS 27 at this point, which is set to be announced at WWDC in June.
Have you spotted any other iOS 26.5 changes? Are there any last-minute updates you hope Apple makes to iOS 26 before focus shifts to iOS 27? Let us know down in the comments.
My favorite iPhone accessories:
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