Apple releases public betas for iPadOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and more – 9to5Mac

Apple has just released public beta 1 for iPadOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, and more. Here’s what to expect.
A new public beta cycle for Apple’s forthcoming 26.5 software updates kicked off today.
Rolling out now are public beta versions of iPadOS 26.5, tvOS 26.5, watchOS 26.5, HomePod 26.5, and more.
These updates follow the launch of corresponding 26.5 developer betas earlier this week, and today’s revision for iOS and iPadOS.
So far in early testing, new features appear fairly minimal in the latest Apple releases.
Apple Maps in iOS and iPadOS 26.5 adds a new ‘Suggested Places’ feature. There are also signs of a new App Store option for in-app subscriptions, plus some EU-specific features.
Otherwise, today’s releases offer minimal user-facing changes compared to the 26.4 launch versions that arrived last week.
That could always change as subsequent betas debut. It’s pretty common for Apple to save some new features for beta 2 and beta 3 updates.
However, with WWDC 2026 drawing closer, it’s also very possible that the 26.5 lineup will remain smaller releases ahead of the much more feature-packed iOS 27, macOS 27, and more.
Have you discovered anything new in the iPadOS 26.5 public beta or any other update? Let us know in the comments.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.

source