Apple releases iOS 26.5 beta 4 with Smart Maps and encrypted RCS
Apple has released the fourth beta version of iOS 26.5 for developers, marking a significant advancement in privacy and artificial intelligence features. Build 23F5069b arrives with stability refinements and new features in Maps and the RCS messaging system. The public version was also distributed hours after launch to developers. The final release is scheduled for May, consolidating the improvements tested in previous betas.
Maps gains intelligent establishment recommendations
The Lugares Sugeridos feature now integrates the Apple Maps search bar, offering automatic recommendations for nearby establishments. The system analyzes local trends, user search history and regional activity to generate relevant suggestions. Duas recommendations appear immediately upon tapping the search bar, even before any user typing.
More on this story: Apple releases end-to-end encryption for RCS messages with Android in iOS 26.5
Essa functionality sets the stage for the implementation of local ads on Estados Unidos and Canadá starting in the summer. The ads will be clearly identified and will respect the user’s privacy, with data processing carried out directly on the device. Na Europa, testing expands to Live Activities and quick pairing with third-party accessories, expanding compatibility of the Apple ecosystem.
Learn more: Apple releases fourth beta of iOS 26.5 with new features in Maps and encrypted RCS
End-to-end Criptografia comes to RCS
Apple maintains end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the testing phase, allowing secure conversations between iPhone users and Android. A specific control has been added in Ajustes > Mensagens > RCS, giving users direct control over functionality. Essa advanced protection was not present in the final version of iOS 26.4, but returns now with additional refinements.
The implementation of RCS encryption represents an important advance in the security of communications between different platforms. The feature significantly improves privacy in conversations between Apple and Android devices, closing a historic gap in cross-platform messaging.
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- RCS with end-to-end encryption between iPhone and Android
- Sugestões of places in Maps based on trends and user searches
- Preparação for local ads identified in Maps
- Suporte to Live Activities in 3rd party accessories in Europa
- Novas monthly pricing options for annual subscriptions at App Store
Melhorias technical and performance optimizations
The beta update includes extensive tweaks to overall performance and system stability. Desenvolvedores report significant fixes to widgets and USB connections, elements critical to the user experience. The download size is larger than usual in some regions, indicating the inclusion of modem improvements and updated security packages.
On the same topic: Apple releases update with end-to-end encryption and accessory optimization
Novos languages have been added to the system’s keyboard, and refinements to CarPlay have been noted in early reports from testers. Apple did not detail all the changes in the official release notes, keeping the focus on core features and stability fixes.
Disponibilidade and release schedule
iOS 26.5 beta 4 is available for all iPhones compatible with iOS 26. Desenvolvedores access the update through the updates section on Ajustes, while registered public testers receive the public version through the same route. The final launch is scheduled for mid-May, according to market expectations and Apple’s traditional calendar.
Usuários interested in testing the beta must perform a complete backup of their data before installation, as the software still goes through testing cycles and may contain instabilities. The progression of betas demonstrates Apple’s commitment to refining features before public release, ensuring quality and security for millions of users globally.
