Apple released iOS 26.4 for everyone this week, and with this update, it offered new emojis, Apple Music updates, and more to iPhone users.
Now, the attention of loyal 9to5Mac readers is turned to iOS 26.5. We have received many questions about when the first iOS 26.5 beta version will be released, so let’s share what we know based on historical data.
iOS 26.5 beta 1 release date: What does history say?
Apple has not yet confirmed when iOS 26.5 beta 1 will be released, but by looking at previous years, we can get a good idea of their plans.
| iOS Version | Release Date |
|---|---|
| iOS 18.5 | April 2, 2025 |
| iOS 17.5 | April 2, 2024 |
| iOS 16.5 | March 28, 2023 |
| iOS 15.5 | April 6, 2022 |
Unless there is a major strategic change, it seems quite reasonable to expect the first iOS 26.5 beta version to be released next week.
Additionally, I am seeing an increase in Google Analytics traffic for iOS 26.5 devices on 9to5Mac. This is usually a reliable sign that Apple is ramping up internal testing before releasing the first beta to developers.
iOS 26.5: New features
It is still unclear what new features Apple will introduce with iOS 26.5. Of course, the elephant in the room is the improved Siri that Apple promised for the first time at WWDC 2024. New Apple Intelligence features were expected to arrive with iOS 26.4, but recent reports indicate that these have been postponed to iOS 26.5 and iOS 27.
This means we might see some new Apple Intelligence and Siri features alongside the first iOS 26.5 beta version.
What do you think? Will iOS 26.5 include major changes to Siri, or will Apple shift all its timing to iOS 27? Share with us in the comments.
My favorite iPhone accessories:
- Built-in screen Anker Nano USB-C wall charger
- 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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