Apple's iOS 26.5 beta 2 offers minor updates like Apple Maps ads and subscription tools, but delays major Siri improvements to iOS 27. Learn what's new and what's coming.
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Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5, but this update is surprisingly light on new features. Users hoping for major improvements, especially to Siri, will have to keep waiting.
Despite earlier rumors, this beta lacks key functions tied to the voice assistant's development. A smarter model, on-screen context understanding, and deeper app integration are now expected only in iOS 27, which will be unveiled this fall.
Still, the update does bring some changes. Apple Maps is starting to show ad elements, with users seeing a notification about new features upon launch. A Suggested Places function is also being added, which will recommend locations, including potentially paid placements.
Developers gain new tools for handling subscriptions, such as offering monthly payments with a 12-month commitment. Additionally, end-to-end RCS message protection for chats with Android users has been reactivated, though it's unclear if this will remain in the final release.
Overall, iOS 26.5 beta 2 feels like a transitional update, setting the stage for bigger changes ahead. Major innovations, including significant Apple Intelligence enhancements, will likely debut at WWDC and in future system versions.