iOS & iPadOS 26.5 Beta 1: RCS Encryption Returns and Apple Maps “Suggested Places” Debuts

Apple released iOS and iPadOS 26.5 Beta 1 to developers, with a public beta expected in May.

The beta focuses on stability and performance improvements and has build number 23F5043G.

Apple Maps added location-based ads sourced from services like Yelp and Foursquare, which Apple says are not tied to Apple ID.

RCS encryption returned in this beta while Apple Intelligence features remain unchanged.