iOS 26 Beta 5: The Latest Update Now Available

Apple has just launched the fifth developer beta version of iOS 26, with the official release expected next month. Last week, Apple also released the first public beta version of iOS 26, with the latest build being 23A5308g.

iOS 26 developer beta 5 is now available

Apple’s description of the upcoming iPhone software update highlights iOS 26’s new design, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, enhanced connectivity options in the Phone and Messages apps, and updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.

In iOS 26 beta 2, there were various design tweaks such as improvements in Control Center legibility, better menu organization in Safari, and enhanced accessibility options with borders added to High Contrast Mode.

iOS 26 beta 3 introduced opaqueness to some previously transparent tab bars, along with new wallpaper colors. Beta 4 then reverted the opaqueness tweaks. Notification Center still features absolute transparency when pulled down until fully open, a feature that may change in the future.

iOS 26 beta 4 also brought back notification summaries for news and entertainment apps, following a pause in the Apple Intelligence feature due to complaints about text summaries altering the original headlines.

Stay updated with 9to5Mac for any new discoveries in iOS 26 beta 5. If everything goes as planned, the developer beta build released today will likely match a future iOS 26 public beta 2 release.

Make sure your iPhone is ready for iOS 26. This major software update is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone 11 models onwards. iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will no longer support iOS 26, with iOS 18 being their last compatible version. For features utilizing Apple Intelligence, you will need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 family model.

For all the latest changes in iOS 26 beta and more, keep an eye on 9to5Mac for updates (and feel free to contribute with tips@9to5mac.com)!