With its ‘Liquid Glass‘ user interface and enhanced features, Apple’s most recent mobile operating system, iOS 26, was made available to the general public in its initial beta. The release enables early adopters to test Apple’s latest software before it is made available to the general public later this fall.
The update is the most obvious visual change since iOS 7, thanks to its “Liquid Glass” design, which gives UI elements like buttons, screens, in-app navigation, and controls a more transparent, glass-like feel. In iOS 26, Liquid Glass is integrated with the Home Screen, Lock Screen, Control Center, notifications, and important apps like Music, Camera, Safari, and Phone.
Along with the updated app icons that users can see, the software update also includes a redesigned lock screen for the iPhone and iPad that features a dynamic clock and 3D photo effect.
A live translation feature that translates conversations in real time, poll suggestions in Messages, AI-powered shortcuts, and an update to Visual Intelligence that lets you search for images while you browse.
The Liquid Glass design has also been used in other versions of software, such as iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, and watchOS 26.
Here is a brief summary of all the newly revealed features.
iOS 26
Along with the glass design, iPhone users can look forward to a number of other updates, such as a dedicated gaming app that acts as a new hub for playing and finding games.
In addition, with improvements to Camera, Photos, Maps, and Genmoji and Image Playground, iOS 26 will also include a number of other small additions, such as the option to personalize alarm snooze times.
iPadOS 26
The fact that iPad users will be able to use a tablet that functions more like a Mac is fantastic. The Preview app from macOS, which lets you add notes to PDFs, is one example of an app that will be available on iPadOS 16.
macOS 26
Spotlight is a remarkable macOS 26 update that will use AI to predict user searches and recommend actions based on regularly completed tasks or ongoing projects.
Additionally, macOS now has Live Activities, allowing users to directly sync activities with their iPhones and view recent contacts and calls.
watchOS 26
One of the more noteworthy aspects of the upcoming watchOS is Workout Buddy, a fitness assistant driven by Apple Intelligence. It uses a generative AI voice to motivate workouts, highlighting important moments such as shutting off the exercise ring for the day.
Followed by other features such as autoplay media and automatic volume adjustment.
tvOS 26
The most useful new feature on Apple TV is the ability to switch profiles with ease. Users only need to choose their profile to quickly resume their viewing when the Apple TV wakes up from sleep.
With Apple Music’s entertaining feature that shows the lyrics on the TV screen, users can now use their iPhones as microphones for sing-alongs. The addition of live captions to support translations in languages like French, German, and Spanish is another noteworthy update.
FAQs
1. What’s new in the iOS 26 beta update?
Better AI tools, real-time translation, a dynamic lock screen, a gaming hub, a revamped Liquid Glass user interface, and enhanced app performance across Safari, Messages, Camera, and other apps are all included in the iOS 26 beta.
2. What devices support the iOS 26 beta update?
iOS 26 beta is accessible for iPhone 11 Pro and later. At Apple’s official compatibility list, you can check if your device qualifies.
3. Is the iOS 26 beta stable for daily use?
Because of its beta version, iOS 26 may have bugs and performance issues. It’s great for testing new features, but it’s not a good option for your primary device unless you don’t mind the odd bug.
4. Can I download the iOS 26 beta now?
The iOS 26 public beta is available from July 23. You can download it by installing the beta profile on your compatible iPhone and enrolling in the Apple Beta Software Program.