Apple has released iOS 26.5 beta 2 to developers and public testers, advancing the operating system with several app-level changes and ongoing feature tests.
The most visible addition is a new Suggested Places feature within Apple Maps search, which Apple said is now live in the build.
The release continues beta testing of end-to-end encryption for RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging, the cross-platform standard that Apple adopted to replace SMS for conversations between iPhone and Android users.
Apple is also testing region-specific functionality, including the ability for European users to push Live Activities, real-time dynamic updates displayed on screen, to third-party accessories.
The release notes indicate Apple may be preparing to offer monthly payment options for annual subscriptions at a discounted rate, subject to a commitment period.
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The build does not include Gemini-powered artificial intelligence features, despite earlier expectations that Google's AI assistant would be integrated into the operating system.
iOS 26.5 beta 2 follows two iterations of the initial beta release.
The recap
- Apple released iOS 26.5 beta 2 on its developer channel
- The beta 2 follows two versions of the initial beta release
- Apple is testing Live Activities on third-party accessories in Europe
