Apple’s iOS 26.5 Beta Rolls Out With Ads in Maps and RCS Encryption—But No New Siri Yet

Apple just dropped the iOS 26.5 beta for developers, but don’t expect the big Siri overhaul Apple promised. Instead, the update quietly introduces ads in Apple Maps and tests end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. Siri fans will have to wait until iOS 27 for the AI upgrades.

Ads Land in Apple Maps

Apple is continuing to add ads to its ecosystem with the iOS 26.5 beta. The update adds advertisements to Apple Maps, marking a shift toward monetizing the app beyond its usual features. Ads will show up when users search for places and appear at the top of a new "Suggested Places" section.

Apple is making sure you know what’s an ad by tagging paid locations with a blue "Ad" icon. Apple says the ads will match your searches, so they could be helpful instead of annoying. Looking for a restaurant? The top ad might just be what you want—though it’s paid placement, so buyer beware.

Apple still emphasizes privacy as a major feature. The company assures users it won’t track specific stores or neighborhoods you visit.

Instead, ad interactions tie to a "random identifier" that changes often, aiming to keep your identity anonymous. Still, some users might find ads unwelcome in an app they expect to be ad-free.

Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messaging

A notable but less obvious change in iOS 26.5 beta is Apple’s renewed effort to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging.

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a messaging protocol intended to replace SMS with more advanced features, but encryption support on iPhone has lagged.

Apple started testing E2EE for RCS in iOS 26.4 but didn’t include it in the final release. Now, the 26.5 beta brings back the option, letting users toggle on encrypted messaging with Android users through RCS. To enable it, users go to Settings > General > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and switch on "End-to-End Encryption (Beta)."

This is a significant update for users concerned about privacy when messaging across different platforms. Encryption ensures messages can’t be read by anyone except sender and recipient, closing a glaring security gap in cross-platform messaging.

No Siri 2.0 in Sight

Many users will likely be disappointed that iOS 26.5 beta doesn’t include any new Siri features. Apple had teased a big Siri upgrade called "Apple Intelligence Siri," promising AI features to compete with chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini.

Originally, Apple aimed to debut these Siri improvements in iOS 26.4. But accuracy and performance issues pushed that back. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is now holding the new Siri features for iOS 27, expected to launch in September 2026.

Developers who installed the iOS 26.5 beta say there’s no sign of the promised Siri upgrades. The company might still add some features in later 26.5 betas, but the window is closing. Instead, iOS 27 will introduce a standalone Siri chatbot app, marking a dramatic step forward for Apple’s voice assistant.

Why the Delay?

Delays in rolling out Siri upgrades aren’t uncommon in the tech world. Complex AI features often require extra testing and fine-tuning before going public. The company originally announced the "Apple Intelligence Siri" at WWDC 2024, promising a 2025 release. But it backed off, saying Siri needed more time.

The postponement also suggests Apple wants to avoid releasing a half-baked assistant that could hurt its reputation. Holding back until iOS 27 might mean a more polished experience, but it’s frustrating for users hungry for smarter, more conversational Siri interactions.

Meanwhile, iOS 26.5 beta’s quick follow-up release—version 23F5043k—replaced an earlier 23F5043g build, hinting at a patch for a serious bug. Apple’s speedy fix suggests they found a problem too urgent to wait on.

How to Get the Beta

Developers with devices enrolled in Apple’s Beta Software Program can update to iOS 26.5 beta via Settings > General > Software Update. Apple also pushed out a similar update for iPadOS 26.5 beta, urging testers to update promptly to avoid running buggy versions.

But be warned: beta software can be unstable. Users should back up their devices before installing, especially if they rely on their iPhones for day-to-day use.

Looking Ahead

The iOS 26.5 beta seems like a transitional update, adding small privacy tweaks and monetization instead of big new features. The real excitement awaits in September with iOS 27, when Apple plans to unveil its AI-powered Siri chatbot and possibly other major changes.

For now, Apple Maps ads and RCS encryption are the main draws of 26.5. Siri fans will have to wait a few more months to talk to a smarter assistant.

Apple’s iOS 26.5 beta adds ads to Apple Maps and brings back encryption testing for RCS messaging, but the Siri AI overhaul is delayed until iOS 27. The next few months will reveal if Apple can deliver on its promise of a next-gen voice assistant.