Apple has rolled out the third beta of iOS 26.5 to developers and public beta users, pushing the update to the Settings app under General → Software Update. The next beta, 4.0, is expected within a week, while the public release is slated for mid‑May across iOS 16‑18 for all devices in the U.S. and Europe.

The update introduces Apple Maps ads, with a banner warning that local ads may appear based on location or search terms. A new Suggested Places feature surfaces trends, recent searches, and contextual recommendations, aiming to turn the map app into a personalized discovery tool for iPhone users everywhere today and and.

iOS 26.5 also rolls back RCS encryption into Messages, enabling end‑to‑end protection by default. Users toggle it under Settings → Messages → RCS Messaging. Meanwhile, the App Store gains a 12‑month commitment billing option for monthly subscriptions, letting developers offer lower rates with a fixed‑term plan for iPhone customers across the world that value predictability and budgeting.

Additional tweaks include a new Inuktitut keyboard, Apple Books Year In Review badges, and expanded data‑transfer choices when moving from iPhone to Android. Magic Keyboard, Trackpad, and Mouse pair via USB‑C and stay connected over Bluetooth, simplifying accessory use. The patch remains lightweight as Apple gears toward iOS 27 at WWDC June 2026 ahead.