Apple has rolled out iOS 26.5 public beta 1 for testers, just days after the iOS 26.4 public release. This update focuses on early feature groundwork, privacy improvements, and small system-level changes rather than big visible upgrades.
This beta is still in testing, so most changes sit in the background and prepare for features expected in upcoming updates.
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How to update
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- Select iOS 26.5 Public Beta 1
- Tap Download and Install
Make sure your device is enrolled in Apple’s public beta program before checking for the update.
iOS 26.5 public beta 1 brings support for end to end encryption in RCS messaging, which improves privacy when texting Android users, and it also adds early backend support for ads in Apple Maps along with a new Suggested Places system for location-based recommendations; the update expands interoperability features such as Live Activities support for third-party wearables, while overall changes remain limited with no major Siri upgrades or visible interface changes in this build.
Final thoughts
iOS 26.5 public beta 1 is a small update that focuses more on what is coming next rather than what you can use right now. More visible features will likely arrive in later beta builds.
Have you installed the update yet, or are you waiting for the stable release? Let us know in the comments.
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