Apple Releases First iOS 26.5 Developer Beta

Apple released the first iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 developer betas yesterday. As usual, the release notes published on Apple’s developer website don’t tell the full story, and it’s up to early enthusiasts to look for unannounced new features.

9to5Mac has a nice roundup of the main changes included in this first developer beta. There are no big splashy new features so far, and the long-awaited Siri updates are likely going to wait for iOS 27 later this fall. Anyway, here’s what you can expect in this first beta:

Apple Maps updates: When you search for places in the app, a new “Suggested Places” feature will recommend nearby locations based on users’ recent searches and more.

End-to-end encryption for RCS messages: Apple is joining Google Messages and other Android-based messaging apps in adding end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. However, the feature won’t be available on all carriers.

New App Store purchase options: This is the only change that Apple mentioned in its developer release notes. Users will soon be able to specify the billing plan type to use for App Store subscriptions that have a 12-month commitment billing plan configuration.

Bluetooth accessory pairing: When plugging in wireless accessories such as Apple’s Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and Magic Trackpad, they will automatically remain connected via Bluetooth.

Live Activities support for third-party accessories: This new feature, which will only be available in the EU, will allow third-party accessories to receive and display notifications and Live Activities from an iPhone.

Apple also released the first 26.5 developer betas for macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS yesterday, but there are no new features to report. The first public betas will likely be released over the coming days.