Apple is already moving on to the next incremental update. Just a week after launching iOS 26.4 on the stable channel, the company released the first developer beta of iOS 26.5, giving us a first look at what’s next.
What’s new in iOS 26.5 Beta 1?
The latest beta does not introduce any major user-focused features. Instead, it focuses on bug fixes while setting the stage for some notable changes. Earlier this month, Apple confirmed plans to place ads on Apple Maps alongside a new Suggested Places feature.
Although the ads aren’t live yet, 9to5Mac reports that iOS 26.5 Beta 1 already includes “Suggested Places,” which shows recommendations based on nearby trends, recent searches, and more. On the surface, it’s a small addition, but it signals a change in the way discovery in Maps might work in the future.
Are there any other notable changes?
Apple’s release notes also hint at upcoming changes to the App Store. The update aims to provide developers with new purchasing options, including a model that allows users to receive monthly bills while committing to a 12-month subscription. This could give developers more flexibility in pricing long-term subscriptions.
If you were expecting major changes, iOS 26.5 Beta 1 isn’t quite here yet. There are no visible changes to Siri in this build, although recent reports suggest otherwise. At the moment the update feels like a setup release. It introduces the first parts of upcoming changes, but doesn’t yet deliver anything particularly transformative.
Apple will likely repeat these features in the coming weeks as more beta builds roll out. iOS 26.5 should follow once testing is complete, possibly with more visible changes.
