When Can We Expect Apple’s First Beta Release?

Apple recently released iOS 26.4, which brought new emojis, updates to Apple Music, and more to iPhone users worldwide. Now, all eyes are on iOS 26.5 as loyal readers of 9to5Mac eagerly await its arrival. Historically, Apple tends to follow a pattern with its beta releases, making it likely that we can expect the first iOS 26.5 beta to be released in the coming week.

There has been a noticeable increase in iOS 26.5 devices in Google Analytics traffic for 9to5Mac, indicating that Apple is likely gearing up for internal testing before rolling out the beta to developers.

In terms of new features, it remains to be seen what iOS 26.5 will bring. One highly anticipated update is the upgraded Siri that Apple teased at WWDC 2024. While these new Apple Intelligence features were initially expected to debut in iOS 26.4, reports suggest they may now be delayed until iOS 26.5 and even iOS 27.

This could mean that we’ll see some exciting new Apple Intelligence and Siri features as early as the first iOS 26.5 beta. Will iOS 26.5 usher in significant changes to Siri, or will Apple pivot its focus to iOS 27? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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