Apple released the third public beta of iOS 26.5 on Tuesday, about two weeks after the second beta and one month after the iOS 26.4 update. Building on earlier betas' end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, it previews upcoming ads in Maps via a new splash screen and adds navigation tweaks. Developers and testers should use secondary devices due to bugs.
Apple has launched the third public beta of iOS 26.5, continuing refinements since the first public beta last month and the iOS 26.4 stable release that introduced new emoji and video podcasts. Additional betas are expected before the final version, with no release date set; install only on secondary devices to avoid issues like battery drain. End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging—teased in iOS 26.4 betas, reintroduced in prior iOS 26.5 betas, and now available here—enhances privacy in Messages. Enable via Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging by toggling the End-to-End Encryption (Beta) slider; it works on supported carriers/devices, with labels on encrypted messages. Maps sees bigger changes: a splash screen hints at incoming local ads based on location, searches, or views, integrated with Apple Business (announced March) for advertising in Maps, Mail, and Wallet—privacy assured as data isn't linked to Apple Accounts. New UI includes sections under the search bar and an expanded Suggested Places menu below Recents for quick nearby discoveries like cafes.
