Just a few days after the release of iOS 26.4, Apple is beginning the next round of testing. The first developer beta of iOS 26.5, iPadOS 26.5, macOS 26.5 ("Tahoe"), watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 is now available for download through the Apple Developer Program. With this, Apple continues its established development cycle and begins work on the next interim version.
With the .5 versions, Apple traditionally concludes the last major development cycle before WWDC. The update serves as a bridge between the spring release and the next major version, which will be presented at the developer conference in June. WWDC 2026 takes place from June 8th to 12th. By then, iOS 26.5 should be available in its final version.
iOS 26.5 Beta 1: What we know so far
At the time of release, no official release notes detailing specific new features are available. As is standard practice with any initial beta, the new version is currently being analyzed. A separate, more detailed report will follow as soon as any visible new features, functional adjustments, or system-relevant changes are documented.
In principle, a first beta can include new features, design adjustments, and structural changes. Apple often uses the start of a new testing phase to make major features publicly available for testing for the first time. At the same time, Beta 1 serves as a foundation upon which further development will be built in the following weeks.
Looking back: What iOS 26.4 brought
The now-completed iOS 26.4 was released on March 24, 2026, and brought a number of functional enhancements. These included Playlist Playground in Apple Music for AI-powered playlist creation, video podcasts in the Podcasts app, eight new emojis based on Unicode 17.0, default activation of stolen device protection, improved keyboard accuracy for fast typing, offline music recognition via Control Center, and full support for AirPods Max 2. iOS 26.4 also closed over 35 security vulnerabilities. macOS 26.4 also received targeted optimizations.
When can we expect the final release?
Apple follows a clearly recognizable pattern with its .5 versions. In recent years, these updates have regularly appeared in May, in time for WWDC in June. iOS 26.5 is also expected to follow this schedule. The beta phase typically lasts four to six weeks, with new builds released weekly. A release candidate is usually made available shortly before the final release.
The first developer beta is now available. A public beta should follow in the coming days.
Overview of the other systems
Alongside iOS 26.5, Apple also released the first betas of the following systems:
iPadOS 26.5 is expected to include adjustments tailored to iPad-specific use. macOS 26.5 ("Tahoe") is likely to contain further optimizations and minor system improvements. Based on past experience, watchOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, and visionOS 26.5 will receive selective adjustments and stability improvements, with major new features being less likely.
Once specific changes in the individual systems have been documented, these will be addressed separately and in detail.
iOS 26.5: Here's what's next
With the release of the first beta of iOS 26.5, the final major testing phase before WWDC 2026 begins. Apple is consistently continuing its established development cycle. The visible new features included in the first beta will be documented in a separate article, as usual, once the analysis is complete. The best products for you: Our Amazon Storefront Offers a wide selection of accessories, including those compatible with HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / Viktollio)
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