Apple released the fifth developer beta of iOS 26 today. The redesigned software for iPhone is expected to be officially released next month. The first public beta of iOS 26 was released last week, and today’s developer release is codenamed “23A5308g.”
iOS 26 beta 5 released
Apple describes iOS 26 as featuring “a striking new design, powerful Apple Intelligence features, new ways to stay connected in the Phone and Messages apps, and exciting updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.”
Previous beta versions featured several design and functionality changes. Beta 2 improved Control Center readability, streamlined Safari menus, and enhanced accessibility by adding borders for High Contrast Mode.
Beta 3 reduced the transparency of tab bars for a more opaque look, and added new wallpaper colors. However, these opacity changes were reverted in Beta 4. Notification Center still uses absolute transparency until it’s fully opened, and this is likely to change.
Beta 4 also reintroduced notification summaries for news and entertainment apps. Apple previously temporarily suspended the Apple Intelligence feature following complaints that text summaries could distort the meaning of headlines.
The full details of iOS 26 Beta 5 are not yet fully disclosed. However, it is likely to be the same as the second public beta of iOS 26, expected to be released in the coming days.
The new version works on the iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone 11 and later models. iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max can also get the latest iOS 18. Users who want to take advantage of the new features and design will need to upgrade to a newer model.
Apple Intelligence features are only supported by the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 family models. Older iPhone models will continue to receive security updates for a while.
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