Apple launched the primary public beta of iOS 26.5 on Monday, about two weeks after the corporate launched the huge iOS 26.4 replace, which included new emoji, video podcasts and extra. The iOS 26.5 beta brings a couple of smaller — however vital — adjustments to the iPhones of builders and beta testers, together with one function that can 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 gadget. This is not the ultimate model of iOS 26.5, so the replace could be buggy and battery life could also be brief, so it is best to maintain these troubles on a secondary gadget.
Additionally, since this is not the ultimate model, there might be extra options to land in your iPhone every time 26.5 is launched.
Listed here are some options builders and beta testers can attempt now, and what might 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 gadget. When Apple introduced RCS messaging to iPhones with iOS 18, one function the messaging protocol was lacking was end-to-end encryption, and iOS 26.5 might lastly carry 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 function’s description that it is nonetheless in beta and it really works solely on sure carriers and units. Apple additionally writes that these encrypted messages can be labeled as such, so it’s best to know when your messages do and haven’t got this stage of safety.
Apple included end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in beta variations of iOS 26.4, however the tech big did not embrace the function within the last launch.
Steered Locations in Maps
The iOS 26.5 beta additionally brings a brand new part known as Steered Locations to your Maps app. As soon as within the app, faucet your Search bar like you are going to search for a close-by cafe or restaurant, and the part Steered Locations will seem under Recents.
These are a couple of of the brand new options builders and public beta testers can attempt 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 vary these options and add others. Apple has not mentioned when it would launch iOS 26.5 to most people.
For extra iOS information, this is all the things it’s best to learn about iOS 26.4 and iOS 26.3. It’s also possible to try our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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