iOS 26.5 beta 2 is here, but is light on new features

Summary created by Smart Answers AI

In summary:

Macworld reports that iOS 26.5 beta 2 introduces ads to Apple Maps through “Suggested Places” with paid placements, marking Apple’s expanded monetization strategy.
The update lacks anticipated Siri improvements, with major AI upgrades now expected to arrive with OS 27 or at WWDC in June.
Additional changes include new monthly subscription options for developers and re-enabled end-to-end encryption for messaging with Android users.

The 26.4 updates brought with them a number of improvements across the various operating systems and Apple’s included apps. But they didn’t bring the expected, long overdue improvements to Siri: A new foundation model, on-screen awareness, personal context, and actions across apps. Recent rumors make it seem unlikely that those things will appear before the big OS 27 updates in the fall, for which Apple is targeting even bigger Apple Intelligence upgrades.

There was some hope that some of those features might ship in iOS 26.5, but the beta doesn’t include any Siri changes at all. We probably won’t see any Siri improvements until WWDC in June.

Updated April 13, 2026: Apple has released the second beta of iOS and iPadOS 26, along with watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and others.

What’s new in iOS 26.5

Apple Maps ads: With iOS 26.5, Apple will begin showing ads in Apple Maps, degrading the experience for all to make even more money. The 26.5 beta 2 update introduced a popup card when you launch Maps to explain them.

Foundry

New subscription options: App developers might have new options for subscriptions with Apple’s in-app-purchases system. Specifically, they can offer monthly billing with a 12-month commitment.

Suggested Places in maps: Along with preparing for ads in Maps coming this summer, Apple is adding Suggested Places (which will also eventually include paid placement).

RCS encryption: Once again, Apple has enabled end-to-end encryption for messages with Android users, but it’s unclear whether this will make it into the final release.

iOS 26.5 beta: How to install

If you want to test the iOS 26 beta releases but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:

Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
Log in to the Beta Software Program.
Click Enroll your iOS device.
Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.

It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.

iOS 26.5: How to install the developer beta

You’ll need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app: