Apple has officially rolled out the first developer beta of iOS 26.5 for eligible iPhones, introducing a mix of minor feature updates and under-the-hood improvements. While the much-anticipated Siri upgrades are still missing, the latest beta brings noticeable tweaks to Apple Maps, messaging, App Store subscriptions, and more.
According to a report by 9to5Mac, the build version 23F5043g is currently available only to developers, with a public beta expected to follow soon.
iOS 26.5 Developer Beta 1: What’s new
Apple Maps gets “Suggested Places”
One of the most visible additions in iOS 26.5 is a new “Suggested Places” feature in Apple Maps. This tool highlights trending locations nearby based on user activity and recent searches. It appears directly in the search tab, making local discovery quicker and more intuitive without needing to type queries.
Ads in Apple Maps incoming
Apple is also laying the groundwork for ads within Apple Maps. Backend changes in this beta suggest that users may soon see sponsored listings based on their location, search behavior, and map activity. This aligns with Apple’s earlier plans to introduce ads in Maps.
RCS messages with encryption (testing phase)
End-to-end encryption for RCS messaging is back in testing with iOS 26.5 developer beta 1. The feature was previously seen in iOS 26.4 beta but didn’t make the final release. Its inclusion here suggests Apple is still working on enhancing messaging privacy, though there’s no confirmation for a public rollout yet.
New App Store subscription options
The update hints at changes to App Store subscriptions. Developers may soon be able to offer monthly billing plans tied to a 12-month commitment. While details remain unclear, this could bring more flexible pricing models for users and developers alike.
EU-specific features in testing
For users in the European Union, Apple continues testing features related to third-party accessories. These include:
- Support for Live Activities on external devices
- Improved notifications
- Enhanced proximity pairing
There’s no official timeline yet for when these features will roll out globally.
Other updates and improvements
- Magic Keyboard, Mouse, and Trackpad now remain connected via Bluetooth even when plugged in
- A new Inuktitut keyboard has been added
- Apple Books may introduce a “Year in Review 2026” feature with reading badges
- Improved controls when transferring data from iPhone to Android, especially for message attachments
iOS 26.5 Developer Beta 1: Eligible iPhones
The update is available for a wide range of iPhones, including:
- iPhone 17 series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
- iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
- iPhone Air
How to download iOS 26.5 Developer Beta 1
Follow these steps to install the update:
- Sign in to the Apple Developer website and enroll in the iOS 26 beta program
- Ensure your iPhone is logged in with the same Apple ID used for the developer account
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap on “Beta Updates” and select iOS 26 Developer Beta
- Download and install iOS 26.5 Developer Beta when it appears
Final thoughts
iOS 26.5 developer beta 1 focuses more on refinements than major feature additions. While it lacks headline upgrades like an advanced Siri, the update still brings meaningful improvements across Maps, messaging, and system functionality. With more updates expected in upcoming betas, Apple could gradually introduce bigger changes before the public release.