The first beta of iOS 26.5 has arrived, with Apple Intelligence now making its way to users in China, and Notification Forwarding expanding beyond the EU.

On Monday, less than a week after iOS 26.4 received its full public release, Apple started the iOS 26.4 beta testing cycle. The iPhone software update has the build number 23F5043g, up from 23E246 on the final version of iOS 26.4.

Apple Intelligence debuts in China

According to multiple iOS users based in China, including the former leaker LoveToDream, Apple Intelligence features have seemingly become available in the country.

Apple Intelligence is now seemingly available in China.

Apple Intelligence first made its way to users in the United States, with the iOS 18.1 update. Apple eventually added support for regions and languages beyond English. Users in China, however wouldn't receive the AI-powered utilities nearly as quickly.

For Apple Intelligence to debut in China, Apple was required to partner with a domestic AI company, and the iPhone maker allegedly chose Alibaba and Baidu.

Throughout 2025, it was repeatedly rumored that Alibaba's involvement would include the creation of a censorship layer for Apple Intelligence. Monday's iOS 26.5 developer beta, meanwhile, contains a reference to Baidu's Wenxin Yiyan model, rather than one by Alibaba.