iOS 26 beta 5 now available

Apple just dropped the fifth developer beta version of iOS 26, with the official launch of the redesigned iPhone software expected next month. The first public beta version of iOS 26 was also released last week. The latest build is 23A5308g.

iOS 26 developer beta 5 has arrived

Apple describes iOS 26 as delivering a “stunning new design, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, new ways to stay connected in the Phone and Messages apps, and exciting updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.”

In iOS 26 beta 2, we saw design tweaks such as legibility improvements for Control Center, better menu organization in Safari, and stronger accessibility options with borders added to High Contrast Mode.

iOS 26 beta 3 introduced opaqueness to some transparent tab bars alongside new wallpaper colors. Beta 4, however, reverted the opaqueness tweaks. Notification Center still uses absolute transparency when pulled down until fully open, but this could change in future updates.

iOS 26 beta 4 also brought back notification summaries for news and entertainment apps, after Apple paused the Apple Intelligence feature due to complaints about text summaries potentially altering headlines’ meanings.

Keep an eye on 9to5Mac for any discoveries in iOS 26 beta 5. If all goes well, today’s developer beta build will likely be the same release as a future iOS 26 public beta 2 release.

Is your iPhone ready for iOS 26? The upcoming software update is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 11, and newer models. iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will stop at iOS 18. If you want the latest features and design, you’ll need to upgrade your iPhone. Older models will still receive security updates for some time. Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 family model.

Stay tuned to 9to5Mac for a comprehensive list of changes in iOS 26 beta versions and more updates. Feel free to join the conversation at tips@9to5mac.com!