Apple today released new build candidates of the upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing, with the software available five days after the first RC. It’s unclear what exactly changed in the second RC, but Apple usually sends another candidate if there are bugs to fix.
Registered developers can download beta versions from the Settings app on iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update.
iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new Siri features, which suggests that Siri updates carry over to iOS 27. The Maps app has a Suggested Places feature to recommend nearby locations to visit based on recent trends and searches, and Apple is setting the stage for ads in the Apple Maps app.
Apple continues to test end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. Apple included the feature in the iOS 26.4 beta, but removed it before the update launched to the public.
There’s a new Pride wallpaper to accompany the Pride Apple Watch band for this year.
More details on what’s new in iOS 26.5 can be found in our iOS 26.5 beta features guide. iOS 26.5 is expected to launch next week.
Popular stories
Here’s what’s new in iOS 26.5 so far
iOS 26.5 has been in beta since late March, with a third beta released this week. The update is relatively minor so far, which isn’t too surprising given that Apple is starting to focus on iOS 27. Apple will unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and the update is expected to be released in September. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for two changes, including end-to-end…
Apple Seeds Introduces Second Betas of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 to Developers
Apple today released the second beta versions of the upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing, with the software available two weeks after Apple released the first updated beta versions. Registered developers can download beta versions from the Settings app on iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 do not include new…
Apple releases iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1 with bug fixes
Apple today released minor software updates iOS 26.4.1 and iPadOS 26.4.1 for iPhone and iPad, respectively. The updates have build number 23E254 and come just over two weeks after Apple released iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4. According to Apple’s release notes, the software updates contain unspecified “bug fixes.” The updates do not include any security fixes,…