Apple today released release candidates of the upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates to developers for testing, with the software available a week after Apple released the fourth beta.
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.
In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, notification forwarding, and live activity for third-party wearable devices such as headphones and smartwatches. The feature will allow third-party wearables to have many of the same features as the Apple Watch and AirPods.
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.
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