Following the release of iOS 26.4 last month, Apple has now begun beta testing for iOS 26.5. The update is expected to be available to everyone next month. Here are all the details about the new features and changes coming with iOS 26.5 for iPhone users.

iOS 26.5 Details

So far, Apple has only released the iOS 26.5 beta 1 version. The update is available for developers and public beta users. iPhone users can manage their beta enrollment by going to the Settings app, selecting General, and then Software Update.

I expect iOS 26.5 beta 2 to be released next week.

iOS 26.5 Release Date

As my colleague Ryan recently pointed out, iOS 26.5 will likely be made available to the general public in early May.

  • iOS 18.5: Monday, May 12
  • iOS 17.5: Monday, May 13
  • iOS 16.5: Thursday, May 18
  • iOS 15.5: Monday, May 16

iOS 26.5 Features and Changes

Apple Maps: Suggested Places and Ads Coming

Last month, Apple announced plans to bring ads to Apple Maps this summer. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for this change by adding the following text: "Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or the appearance of the map during a search."

iOS 26.5 also activates a new Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps. This feature, as you can see above, will show suggestions based on "nearby trends, the user's recent searches, and more."

RCS Encryption

Apple began testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging with iOS 26.4. However, this feature was not included as part of that update. Apple stated that it would come as part of a future iOS 26 update.

With iOS 26.5 beta 1, RCS encryption has returned to the Messages app. The feature is enabled by default. You can manage this option by going to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging; here you will see a new "End-to-End Encryption (Beta)" toggle.

Unlike the release notes for iOS 26.4, Apple’s release notes for iOS 26.5 do not contain any information indicating that the feature will not be available with iOS 26.5. We will have to wait to know for sure.

App Store Purchase Options

According to Apple’s developer release notes, iOS 26.5 will enable new purchase options in the App Store. This will include an option that allows developers to bill users monthly but with a 12-month commitment. This is common in many other app store-style platforms and subscription services.

  • "You can read pricing information for subscriptions with a monthly billing plan configured with a 12-month commitment..."
  • "You can specify the type of billing plan to be used for subscriptions with a monthly billing plan configured with a 12-month commitment..."

EU Changes

Have you heard this before: There are more changes for iPhone users in the EU. As part of iOS 26.5, Apple is testing Live Activities support for third-party accessories. This will allow accessories to receive and display Live Activities from an iPhone.

Additionally, work is ongoing to enhance notifications and proximity pairing support for third-party accessories. Third-party audio switching is also in the works.

Magic Pairing

With iOS 26.5, pairing your Magic Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse with your iPhone is now easier. When you connect these accessories to your iPhone via USB-C, they will remain connected via Bluetooth when you unplug them. You no longer need to manually pair them in the Settings app.

More iOS 26.5 Changes

Finally, iOS 26.5 brings a few minor updates:

  • New Inuktitut keyboard layout
  • Apple Books Features: There are hints about new "Year in Review" features for Apple Books for 2026; these include titles and medals for achievements like Loyal Reader, Reading Royalty, Strong Reader, and more.
  • Data Transfer Options: When transferring data from iPhone to Android, there are new options for sharing message attachments: None, 30 days, 1 year, or all.

Overall Assessment of iOS 26.5

As you can see, iOS 26.5 is quite a small update compared to iOS 26.4. Internally, a large part of Apple’s attention is currently focused on iOS 27, which is expected to be announced at WWDC in June.

Have you noticed any other iOS 26.5 changes? Are there last-minute updates you hope Apple will make before focusing on iOS 26? Let us know in the comments below.

My Favorite iPhone Accessories:

  • Anker Nano USB-C wall charger with built-in display
  • CardPointers: Maximize credit card rewards (special 30% savings)
  • Charge all your Apple gear at once
  • Bring wireless CarPlay to any vehicle
  • USB-C cable that shows your charging speed

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