Apple has rolled out the iOS 26.5 beta 2 update for developers, continuing testing of its next incremental iPhone software update. The latest build arrives shortly after the iOS 26.5 developer beta 1 and public beta 1 updates that landed earlier this month.
iOS 26.5 Developer Beta 2: What's New?
One of the most notable additions to iOS 26.5 is a new "Suggested Places" feature in Apple Maps, which surfaces trending locations and recommendations directly within the search interface. This is to make discovery easier without requiring users to manually search for specific places.
As per reports, the Cupertino giant has been testing out ads in Apple Maps. Well, the brand has now officially acknowledged this by showing a pop-up the first time users open Maps after installing iOS 26.5 beta 2.
"Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search," the pop-up reads. Additionally, the pop-up also confirms that for user privacy, advertising information is not linked to their Apple Account.
Apple is also continuing to test end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, a feature that could significantly enhance privacy for conversations between iPhone and Android users.
In addition, the iOS 26.5 update may also bring new App Store subscription options, including the ability for developers to offer monthly payments for annual plans, potentially at discounted rates. This could provide more flexibility for users while ensuring longer-term commitment for developers.
Meanwhile, as already spotted in the first beta, in the European Union, Apple is experimenting with Live Activities support for third-party accessories, alongside improvements to notifications and connectivity with external devices.
Despite these additions, iOS 26.5 beta 2 remains a relatively modest update overall. Notably, there are no new AI-powered Siri features, suggesting that Apple may be saving larger AI upgrades for the upcoming WWDC 2026 event. We can expect to see the new Gemini-powered Siri then, hopefully.
With development now progressing through multiple beta builds, iOS 26.5 is expected to reach stable release in the coming weeks, likely sometime around mid-May 2026.
That said, eligible users can update to the latest iOS 26.5 developer beta by heading over to Settings -> General -> Software Update -> Update Now. In case you don't know how to install iOS 26 beta on your iPhone, take a look at our dedicated guide.
As for the iOS 26.5 eligible devices, users on the iPhone 11 and later can download the update.
