Apple has now expanded testing of its upcoming software updates, releasing the first public betas of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS Tahoe 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and tvOS 26.5.
The public betas arrive four days after Apple initially released the same builds to developers, though updated iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 developer betas were also pushed out more recently.
This rollout allows public beta testers to try upcoming features and refinements across Apple’s ecosystem before the updates are officially released, while also helping Apple gather feedback and identify bugs ahead of launch.
After enrolling through Apple’s beta website, public testers can install the new updates via the Software Update section in Settings on supported devices.
The new beta releases of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, and macOS Tahoe 26.5 introduce several notable features and ongoing experiments.
New features and changes
One of the additions is a Suggested Places feature, which recommends nearby locations of interest directly within Apple apps, aiming to make discovery more contextual and location-aware.
Apple is also reportedly preparing to expand monetization in its Maps service, with early testing indicating the introduction of ads in Apple Maps.
Messaging and cross-platform updates
The beta also continues Apple’s work on improving messaging interoperability. The company is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations between iPhone and Android users again, aiming to strengthen privacy in cross-platform messaging.
EU-focused features and wearables support
In the European Union, Apple is experimenting with broader device integration features, including:
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Proximity-based pairing with third-party wearables
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Notification forwarding to connected devices
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Support for Live Activities on non-Apple wearable hardware
Broader context
These updates show Apple continuing to expand both its ecosystem services and regulatory-driven interoperability features, while also testing new monetization strategies in core apps like Maps.