Apple has released the fourth beta versions of its upcoming iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 updates . The new versions are available to developers for testing purposes, with the software arriving a week after the release of the third beta versions .
Registered developers can download beta builds from the Settings on their iPhone or iPad, by going to the General and selecting Software Update.
See also: New iPhones: Restart problem when battery runs out
What changes do the iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 beta versions bring?
iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 don't include any new features for Siri, suggesting that any updates to Siri are likely reserved for iOS 27. The Maps has a Suggested Places that suggests places worth visiting based on trends and recent searches. Additionally, Apple is laying the groundwork for ads in the Apple Maps app.
Additionally, the company continues to test end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS between iPhone and Android users. Apple included this feature in the iOS 26.4 beta, but removed it before the update was released to the public.
See also: Rumors about Apple's basic iPhone 18: 50% more RAM
In the European Union, Apple is testing proximity pairing, push notifications, and Live Activities for third-party wearables, such as headphones and smartwatches. This functionality will allow third-party wearables to have many of the same features as the Apple Watch and AirPods.
Continuous improvements from Apple
Overall, the new beta versions of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 show that Apple continues to focus more on incremental improvements and infrastructure for future featuresthan immediate, dramatic changes. From location suggestions in Maps to testing for enhanced encryption and third-party device support, it's clear that the company is building a more open and secure ecosystem.
See also: MacBook notch may be replaced with removable cameras
Meanwhile, the lack of major Siri updates suggests that larger developments may be postponed until later versions of the operating system. Until then, the current betas act as an important testing stage, giving developers the opportunity to prepare, while Apple collects valuable data to improve the user experience before the final release to the general public.
