Apple has released iOS 26.5 beta 1 for developers. The long-awaited Gemini-based Siri features are not included in the update — they’ve been moved to iOS 27, where the voice assistant will become a standalone app. But some interesting things did appear: end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, popular place recommendations in Apple Maps, preparation for ads in Maps, and changes for European Union users. Let’s break down what’s actually important.
The fresh beta is out, but it seems like new features were forgotten. Image: macrumors.com
iOS 26.5 Beta 1 — Who Can Access It and When to Expect the Public Beta
The build has number 23F5043g and is currently available only to developers. The public beta is expected this or next week. Simultaneously, beta versions of iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5, visionOS 26.5, and watchOS 26.5 were released.
The update can’t be called major — it’s more of a set of targeted refinements. But some of them directly affect everyday iPhone use: messaging security, navigation, and working with accessories.
Place Recommendations in Apple Maps on iOS 26.5
Apple Maps now has place recommendations. Image: 9to5mac.com
Earlier in March, Apple announced a new Suggested Places feature for Maps. In iOS 26.5 beta 1, it’s already working. When tapping the search bar in Apple Maps, recommendations now appear: popular places nearby, curated based on current trends, the user’s recent search queries, and other factors.
Essentially, this is Apple’s attempt to make Maps not just a navigator but a tool for discovering interesting places — something closer to how Google Maps or even 2GIS work with their recommendations for cafes and shops nearby. However, Apple Maps in Russia doesn’t come close to either 2GIS or Yandex Maps.
Ads in Apple Maps — When They’ll Appear and How They’ll Work
Ads are coming to Apple Maps, but we frankly don’t care. Image: macrumors.com
Alongside the recommendations, Apple has started laying the technical groundwork for displaying ads in Maps. In the beta version’s code, a description was found: “Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search queries, or the visible map area during search.”
The ads in iOS 26.5 aren’t showing yet, but the infrastructure is being prepared. This means that in summer 2026, Apple Maps will most likely start displaying paid business recommendations — similar to what Google Maps has been doing for a long time. For users, this may mean that among “recommended” places, paid placements will start appearing. It’s unclear how transparently Apple will label them.
End-to-End Encryption for RCS Between iPhone and Android in iOS 26.5
Apple started testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages back in iOS 26.4 betas, but the feature didn’t make it into the final version. In iOS 26.5 beta 1, it has reappeared.
End-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhone and Android. Image: 9to5mac.com
RCS is a modern messaging standard that replaced SMS. End-to-end encryption means that only the sender and recipient can see the conversation’s content — neither Apple, nor the carrier, nor anyone else can read the messages.
This is important for those who communicate with Android users through the standard Messages app. Until now, such conversations remained unencrypted. However, there’s still no guarantee that the feature will make it into the final iOS 26.5 release — last time it was also tested but postponed. This time, though, Apple removed the caveat about a “future update” in the release notes, which gives more reason for optimism. Although for Russia, as usual, this isn’t relevant.
Annual Subscription with Monthly Payments in the App Store
In the iOS 26.5 documentation, Apple describes a new subscription format for developers: monthly payments with a 12-month commitment. Simply put, the user pays every month but commits to subscribing for a year.
For end users, this may look like a compromise between monthly and annual subscriptions: you pay a little each month but with a discount for the long-term commitment. Details are scarce so far, and it’s unclear exactly how this will work — for example, what happens if you cancel before the 12 months are up. We’re keeping an eye on developments.
Live Activities on Third-Party Accessories — What’s Changing in the EU
iOS 26.5 continues to expand capabilities for EU users, as required by local legislation. The main new feature is Live Activities support (dynamic notifications) on third-party accessories. This means that, for example, an external display or smart accessory will be able to receive and show “live” updates from the iPhone — match scores, delivery status, timers, and more.
Live Activities will work even on third-party smartwatches. But only in the EU. Image: 9to5mac.com
Apple hasn’t published documentation yet, and it’s unknown which accessories will support this feature. Also being tested in the EU are notifications and automatic pairing for nearby third-party accessories. For users in Russia, these new features aren’t directly relevant — they’re tied to European Union regulatory requirements.
All iOS 26.5 Beta 1 Changes — Keyboard, Apple Books, and Transfer to Android
In addition to the main new features, the beta includes several smaller changes:
- Automatic Apple accessory pairing: if you connect a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, or Magic Trackpad to an iPhone via cable, they will automatically stay paired via Bluetooth. No more manual pairing setup needed.
- A new keyboard layout for the Inuktitut language.
- Apple Books is preparing a “Year in Review 2026” feature with awards and titles for readers — “Loyal Reader,” “Book King,” “Power Reader,” and others.
- When transferring data from iPhone to Android, new options for messages have appeared: you can transfer attachments from the last 30 days, from the past year, all of them, or none at all.
The last point is especially practical: previously, when switching to Android, the choice was more limited, and transferring heavy attachments from all years could take a very long time.
Should You Install iOS 26.5 Beta 1 Right Now
Like any first beta, iOS 26.5 beta 1 is intended for developers and enthusiasts. It’s not recommended to install it on your primary iPhone — there may be bugs, battery issues, and unstable app performance.
