Apple has released iOS 26.5 beta 1 to developers, bringing several new features, messaging improvements, and interoperability changes.
The update carries build number 23F5043g and is currently available through the developer beta program. A public beta is expected to arrive soon.
Alongside iOS 26.5 beta 1, Apple also released developer betas for iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5.
While the update does not yet introduce new Siri intelligence features, it still adds meaningful improvements across Apple Maps, messaging security, and accessory support.
Here are all the iOS 26.5 beta 1 features and changes discovered so far.
Apple Maps Suggested Places
One of the most visible iOS 26.5 beta 1 features is a new discovery tool inside Apple Maps called Suggested Places.
This feature highlights nearby locations based on:
- Trending places nearby
- Your recent searches
- Popular locations around you
Suggested Places appears when you tap the search field in Apple Maps.
The feature is part of Apple’s broader plan to make Maps more useful for discovering restaurants, shops, and other destinations.
Apple Maps ads are being prepared
iOS 26.5 beta 1 also lays the groundwork for ads in Apple Maps, which Apple plans to introduce later this year.
Code discovered in the update indicates that Apple Maps may show local ads depending on:
- Your approximate location
- Your search terms
- The section of the map you are viewing
These results will be clearly labeled as advertisements.
RCS end-to-end encryption
Another major iOS 26.5 beta 1 feature is the return of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users.
Apple first tested the feature during the iOS 26.4 beta cycle but removed it before the final release.
In iOS 26.5 beta 1, encryption support for Rich Communication Services messaging has been reintroduced.
When enabled, conversations between iPhone and Android devices are encrypted so that third parties cannot read the messages.
New App Store subscription billing options
Apple is also testing new subscription billing configurations in the Apple App Store.
Developers may soon be able to offer monthly subscriptions with a 12-month commitment.
This model would allow users to pay monthly while committing to a longer subscription period.
Apple has not yet explained how cancellation or refunds will work with this system.
EU third-party accessory features
Several iOS 26.5 beta 1 changes are focused on compliance with the Digital Markets Act.
Apple continues testing interoperability features that allow third-party accessories to integrate more deeply with iPhones.
Live Activities on third-party devices
iOS 26.5 beta 1 introduces support for Live Activities on third-party accessories.
Compatible devices will be able to display live information from the iPhone, such as delivery tracking or sports scores.
Notification forwarding
Third-party devices such as smartwatches will soon be able to receive notifications from the iPhone.
Users will be able to:
- View notifications
- Interact with them
- Respond directly from the device
Notifications can only be forwarded to one device at a time. Enabling this feature will disable notifications on Apple Watch.
Proximity pairing for accessories
Apple is also testing simplified accessory pairing.
Third-party devices such as earbuds will be able to connect to an iPhone by simply bringing them close to the device, similar to Apple AirPods.
Magic Accessories Automatically Pair
A smaller but useful improvement affects Apple accessories.
When connecting devices like the Apple Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad through USB-C, the iPhone now automatically establishes and maintains a Bluetooth connection.
Improved iPhone to Android Data Transfer
Apple has also improved the process for switching from iPhone to Android.
Users can now choose how many message attachments are transferred:
- None
- 30 days
- 1 year
- All attachments
This gives users more control when moving conversations to another platform.
Apple Books Year in Review features
Code references inside the update suggest Apple is preparing reading achievements for Apple Books.
Possible awards include:
- The Loyal Reader
- Reading Royalty
- The Power Reader
These appear to be part of a new Year in Review feature.
New Inuktitut keyboard
iOS 26.5 beta 1 also adds a new Inuktitut keyboard layout, expanding language support for users who speak the Indigenous language used in parts of Canada.
iOS 26.5 Release Timeline
Apple typically releases multiple beta versions before the final update.
Expected timeline:
- Developer beta 1 available now
- Public beta expected soon
- Final release likely in the coming weeks
Final thoughts
While iOS 26.5 beta 1 does not introduce major headline features, it still delivers several meaningful improvements.
From Apple Maps discovery tools to RCS encryption and EU accessory support, these updates show Apple continuing to refine the iPhone experience ahead of its next major software release.
More iOS 26.5 beta features may appear as Apple releases additional beta builds.
