Apple releases iOS 26.5 beta 1 with new features and fixes

3 days ago 11

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New Delhi: Apple has recently introduced its first developer beta of iOS 26.5 for the eligible iPhones, bringing a mix of minor feature upgrades and some background improvements. This upgrade has been reported to doesn’t include the most-awaited Siri upgrades, but it unveils tweaks across the Apple Maps, messaging, App Store billing, and much more.

It is currently limited to the developers, with the public beta expected soon.

Apple Maps

One of the most highlighted additions in iOS 26.5 developer beta 1 is the latest Suggested Places feature in Apple Maps. This tool now shows some recommendations based on what is trending nearby, alongside users’ recent searches. This feature now appears directly in the search tab inside the Maps application, making it easier to discover nearby locations without typing specific queries.

Ads in Maps

Apple has been reported to be gearing up for ads in Maps. This upgrade include backend changes that indicate Maps could show local ads based on user location, search activity or what the user is viewing on the maps. This also aligns with Apple’s earlier announcement that ads would arrive in Maps sometime this year.

RCS encryption

Apple is now once again experimenting with end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in iOS 26.5 developer beta 1. This feature was the first to be seen in iOS 26.4 beta, but it didn’t make it to the final release. With this latest upgrade, encryption is back in testing, though it is still unclear whether it will be included in the public rollout.

Latest App Store subscription options

This upgrade also hints at the changes in how the subscriptions work on the App Store. Developers might get the option to provide monthly billing plans tied to a 12-month commitment. Apple hasn’t yet shared any full details, so it is not entirely clear how this will work for the users or developers.

Eligible iPhones to get iOS 26.5 Developer Beta 1: