Exploring the Exciting Updates of iOS 26.5 Beta 1: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Features

Apple has just unveiled iOS 26.5 beta 1 for developers, bringing a host of new features and improvements. While the update does not include the highly-anticipated new Siri features, there are still some noteworthy changes worth mentioning. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of everything you need to know about iOS 26.5 beta 1.

iOS 26.5 beta 1 details
iOS 26.5 beta 1 carries the build number 23F5043g and is currently only available for developers. A public beta version is expected to be released later this week or early next week. Alongside iOS 26.5, Apple has also released updates for iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5 for developers.

iOS 26.5: What’s new?
Suggested Places in Apple Maps
Apple has introduced a new “Suggested Places” feature in iOS 26.5, which provides recommendations based on trending locations nearby, recent user searches, and more. This feature is now live in Apple Maps and can be accessed by tapping inside the search box within the app.

Groundwork for ads in Apple Maps
Although ads are not yet live in Apple Maps, Apple has started laying the groundwork for them. The platform may display local ads based on the user’s location, search terms, or map view during searches.

RCS end-to-end encryption
iOS 26.5 includes end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, a feature that was previously tested in iOS 26.4 betas but did not make it to the final release. It remains to be seen if this feature will be included in the public release of iOS 26.5.

App Store purchase options
Developers will now have new purchase options in the App Store, including the ability to offer monthly billing with a 12-month commitment. More details on this feature are expected to be revealed soon.

EU changes
iOS 26.5 introduces Live Activities support for third-party accessories in the EU, allowing accessories to receive and display Live Activities from an iPhone. Additional updates related to notifications and proximity pairing for third-party accessories are also being tested in the EU.

More iOS 26.5 changes
Other smaller changes in iOS 26.5 include improved accessory pairing for Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, a new Inuktitut keyboard layout, and hints at a “Year In Review for 2026” feature in Apple Books.

Wrap up: iOS 26.5
If you discover any additional new features in iOS 26.5 beta 1, feel free to share them in the comments section. Stay tuned for more updates on iOS 26.5 and its upcoming release to the general public.

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