Apple launched the fourth public beta of iOS 26.5 on Tuesday, greater than a month after the corporate launched the large iOS 26.4 replace, which included new emoji, video podcasts and extra. The iOS 26.5 beta brings a number of smaller — however impactful — modifications to the iPhones of builders and beta testers, together with end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging.
As a result of it is a beta, I like to recommend downloading it solely on one thing aside from your major gadget. This is not the ultimate model of iOS 26.5, so the replace could be buggy and battery life could also be shortened, so it is best to maintain these issues on a secondary gadget.
Additionally, since this is not the ultimate model of iOS 26.5, Apple may add extra options to the replace earlier than it arrives in your iPhone.
Listed here are some options builders and beta testers can attempt now, and what may land in your iPhone when Apple releases iOS 26.5 in Might.
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 gadget. 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 carry this privateness safety to your iPhone.
To seek 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 will probably be labeled as such, so it’s best 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 closing launch.
Adverts may arrive in Maps quickly
In the event you open your Maps app after downloading the iOS 26.5 beta, you may see a brand new splash display that says the arrival of adverts within the app.
“Maps could present native adverts primarily based in your approximate location, present search phrases, or view of the map whilst you search,” Apple says. “On your privateness, promoting info will not be linked to your Apple Account.”
Apple introduced Apple Enterprise in March, permitting corporations to attach with clients by way of a few of Apple’s first-party apps, similar to Mail and Pockets. Apple Enterprise additionally lets corporations place native adverts in Maps. So you can begin seeing adverts in Maps for the espresso store down the road from your house.
New sections and Prompt Locations in Maps
The iOS 26.5 beta additionally brings new sections and a brand new Prompt Locations menu 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. You may see the brand new sections beneath the search bar and Prompt Locations will seem under Recents.
Month-to-month funds on annual subscriptions
The iOS 26.5 replace will introduce a brand new technique to pay for subscriptions within the App Retailer. Apple wrote on-line that beginning with the upcoming iOS replace, builders can supply month-to-month funds for 12-month subscriptions.
“This new fee possibility permits you to supply subscribers extra inexpensive choices,” Apple wrote.
This implies if an app affords a yearly subscription at a reduction, you can subscribe to that annual plan on the decrease charge however pay for it month-to-month. Nonetheless, Apple did write that for those who cancel your subscription earlier than your subscription ends, you may must proceed making funds till the top of your settlement.
Reside Actions on third-party equipment within the EU
In line with 9to5Mac, the iOS 26.5 beta additionally lets third-party equipment show Reside Actions updates despatched from iPhones. Nonetheless, that is solely obtainable on gadgets within the European Union.
These are a number of of the brand new options builders and public beta testers can attempt now with the fourth public beta of iOS 26.5. There’ll probably be extra betas earlier than the OS is launched to the general public, so there’s loads of time for Apple to vary these options and add others. Apple wrote in a publish on-line that it’ll launch iOS 26.5 to most of the people in Might, however the firm did not give an actual date.
For extra iOS information, here is every little thing it’s best to learn about iOS 26.4 and iOS 26.3. You may as well take a look at our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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