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Apple Launches iOS 26.5 Beta with Enhanced Maps Features

4/5/2026

44 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Apple has launched the public beta for iOS 26.5, following the developer beta.
The update adds 'Suggested Places' in Apple Maps, highlighting trending locations from user searches.
Maps will include location-based ads, clearly marked, with personal data staying on the device and not linked to accounts.
The beta also tests end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages, though the stable release date remains uncertain.

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Story summary

Apple has launched the public beta for iOS 26.5, following the developer beta.
The update adds 'Suggested Places' in Apple Maps, highlighting trending locations from user searches.
Maps will include location-based ads, clearly marked, with personal data staying on the device and not linked to accounts.
The beta also tests end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages, though the stable release date remains uncertain.