Apple has just released the iOS 26.5 public beta. That means you do not need a paid developer account to try the update anymore. If you have been waiting to test the latest changes before they roll out officially, now is your chance.
This follows Apple seeding the iOS 26.5 developer beta earlier this week, which brought EU regulatory changes and several under-the-hood tweaks. The public beta brings those same changes to everyone willing to test.
What Is New in iOS 26.5?
iOS 26.5 is not a massive feature drop. Instead, it focuses on refinements and compliance updates. Here is what Apple has confirmed so far:
- EU regulatory changes — Apple is making adjustments required under the Digital Markets Act, including notification forwarding and proximity pairing for third-party wearables.
- Suggested Places in Maps — iOS 26.5 adds a new Suggested Places feature that recommends nearby locations to visit.
- End-to-end encrypted RCS — Apple is testing E2EE for RCS messages between iPhone and Android users. This could finally make cross-platform messaging more secure.
- Bug fixes and stability improvements — As expected from a point release, general polish is a big part of the update.
It is worth noting that the new Siri features everyone has been waiting for are not here yet. Those are expected to arrive with iOS 27 at WWDC 2026. If you want a full breakdown of what iOS 27 might look like, we have you covered — more on that below.
Should You Install the Public Beta?
Public betas are more stable than developer betas. However, they are still pre-release software. You may run into bugs, battery drain issues, or app compatibility problems.
So, here is the simple rule. If this is your only iPhone, think twice. If you have a secondary device, go ahead and install it.
Also, make sure you back up your iPhone before installing any beta. You do not want to lose your data if something goes wrong.
How to Install the iOS 26.5 Public Beta
Follow these steps to get started:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to General, then tap Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Public Beta.
- Wait for the update to appear, then tap Download and Install.
That is all there is to it. Apple makes the process straightforward for public beta testers.
What to Expect Next
Apple typically releases iOS 26.5 to the public sometime in May. Between now and then, expect a few more beta builds as the company polishes things up.
If you are curious about what comes after iOS 26.5, we have a full breakdown of what to expect from iOS 27 at WWDC 2026. The update is shaping up to be one of Apple’s biggest software releases in years, with a completely redesigned Siri at the center of it all.
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