Apple launched the primary public beta of iOS 26.5 on Monday, about two weeks after the corporate launched the large iOS 26.4 replace, which included new emoji, video podcasts and extra. The iOS 26.5 beta brings just a few smaller — however important — modifications to the iPhones of builders and beta testers, together with one characteristic that might be acquainted to anybody who has saved up with previous iOS betas.
As a result of this can be a beta, I like to recommend downloading it solely on one thing aside from your major machine. This is not the ultimate model of iOS 26.5, so the replace may be buggy and battery life could also be brief, so it is best to maintain these troubles on a secondary machine.
Additionally, since this is not the ultimate model, there may very well be extra options to land in your iPhone each time 26.5 is launched.
Listed below are some options builders and beta testers can strive now, and what may land in your iPhone when Apple releases iOS 26.5.
Finish-to-end encrypted RCS messaging returns
The iOS 26.5 beta brings again an choice to allow end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in your machine. When Apple introduced RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one characteristic the messaging protocol was lacking was end-to-end encryption, and iOS 26.5 may lastly deliver this privateness safety to your iPhone.
To search out this setting, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and faucet the slider subsequent to Finish-to-Finish Encryption (Beta).
Apple writes within the characteristic’s description that it is nonetheless in beta and it really works solely on sure carriers and gadgets. Apple additionally writes that these encrypted messages might be labeled as such, so you need to know when your messages do and haven’t got this degree of safety.
Apple included end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta variations of iOS 26.4, however the tech large did not embody the characteristic within the last launch.
Recommended Locations in Maps
The iOS 26.5 beta additionally brings a brand new part referred to as Recommended Locations to your Maps app. As soon as within the app, faucet your Search bar like you are going to lookup a close-by cafe or restaurant, and the part Recommended Locations will seem beneath Recents.
These are just a few of the brand new options builders and public beta testers can strive now with the primary public beta of iOS 26.5. There’ll doubtless be extra betas earlier than the OS is launched to the general public, so there’s loads of time for Apple to alter these options and add others. Apple has not mentioned when it should launch iOS 26.5 to most of the people.
For extra iOS information, here is all the pieces you need to find out about iOS 26.4 and iOS 26.3. It’s also possible to try our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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