Apple has released the second beta of iOS 26.5 to developers, and it will soon be available to public beta testers. The beta update is available for iPhone 11 and newer models. The first beta was released two weeks ago, followed by a minor re-release.
Alongside iOS 26.5 Beta 2, Apple has also released several other beta updates, including iPadOS 26.5 Beta 2, watchOS 26.5 Beta 2, tvOS 26.5 Beta 2, visionOS 26.5 Beta 2, macOS Tahoe 26.5 Beta 2, macOS Sequoia 15.7.6 RC2, and macOS Sonoma 14.8.6 RC2.
iOS 26.5 Beta 2 arrives with build number 23F5054h. It’s a relatively small incremental update, weighing around 1.5GB, though it can go over 10GB depending on your current software version. So, it’s recommended to download the update over WiFi.
The new iOS 26.5 Beta 2 update brings a new modem update along with a few minor changes and improvements. While there aren’t any major new features, the update does include references to expanded Ad placements in Apple Maps. Here’s what the official splash screen mentions about Ads:
“Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search.”
These changes were already introduced in the first beta. To see how it will appear, open Apple Maps > Search. This interface will include ads.
The Notification Forwarding setting has been removed at least for users in the US. This was added in the first beta, but it may be region-specific. There aren’t many noticeable changes in this beta build.
If you own an eligible iPhone and have selected the beta program, you can now install the iOS 26.5 Beta 2 from Settings > General > Software Update. If you want to switch to the beta update, you can opt for it from the Beta Updates option in Software Update settings. Make sure to back up your data before installing the update.
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