Apple has released the first developer beta of iOS 26.5, marking another maintenance-focused update in the iOS 26 cycle. While many users hoped for major new Apple Intelligence features or the long-awaited Siri overhaul, iOS 26.5 beta 1 focuses instead on practical improvements, security enhancements, expanded messaging capabilities, and groundwork for future changes.
The beta arrived on March 30, 2026, and is available to registered developers. A public beta version is expected to follow shortly. As with any early beta, Apple recommends installing it only on secondary devices due to potential bugs and battery impacts.
Key New Features in iOS 26.5 Beta 1
RCS End-to-End Encryption Returns. One of the most notable additions is the return of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. Apple had tested this feature in earlier iOS 26.4 betas but removed it from the final release. In iOS 26.5 beta 1, the option reappears in Settings > Messages and is enabled by default. When active, it provides the same level of encryption protection for conversations between iPhone and Android users that iMessage users have long enjoyed. This upgrade significantly improves cross-platform messaging security and privacy.
Notification Forwarding Expand.s Notification Forwarding, previously limited in some regions, now appears to be rolling out more broadly. The feature allows users to forward notifications to compatible third-party devices, offering greater flexibility for those who use multiple gadgets or accessories throughout the day.
Apple Maps Updates and Ad Preparations Apple Maps receives a small but useful addition: a new “Suggested Places” section that appears when tapping the search bar. It recommends locations based on trending spots nearby and your recent searches. More significantly, code in the beta lays the groundwork for local ads inside Apple Maps. These ads will be clearly labelled as “Ad” and will use approximate location, search terms, and map view to serve relevant promotions. The feature is expected to launch publicly this summer.
Live Activities Support for Third-Party Accessories iOS 26.5 beta 1 adds Live Activities support for third-party smartwatches and similar accessories. This allows compatible devices to mirror live updates directly from the iPhone, enhancing real-time information delivery across your ecosystem.
Other Smaller Improvements
- Automatic Bluetooth pairing when connecting a Magic Keyboard via USB-C.
- A new Inuktitut keyboard layout.
- Updated App Store subscription options that let developers offer monthly billing with a 12-month commitment.
- Various bug fixes, including improved Settings search, stability enhancements, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reconnection improvements, and patches for kernel and WebKit vulnerabilities.
No major visible changes to Siri or broad new Apple Intelligence capabilities appeared in this first beta, despite earlier expectations around a potential Gemini-powered upgrade.
