It’s official, we are moving to iOS 26 Beta. This fall, be ready for the exciting changes in your iPhone, as iOS 26 beta 2 is coming your way, including a new Aesthetic called Liquid Glass.
This makes a big difference! iOS 18 is the end of an era; iOS 26 beta is everything new. Here’s what we’re excited about: the iPhone is finally getting an upgrade with a redesigned lock screen, now featuring Liquid Glass.
The new release delivers a remarkable design, extraordinary Apple intelligence capabilities, and unique ways to stay connected in the Phone and Messages apps
‘’ iOS 26 beta shines with gorgeous new design and meaningful improvements to the features users rely on every day, making iPhone even more helpful,’’ said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.
What is iOS 26 beta?
As we bid goodbye to iOS 18, the current operating system. Apple skips the numbering ahead and aligns with the calendar year now. If you keep up with the latest Apple news, you have probably heard about the goal of apple to create more unity and continuity between the platforms. Hence, the naming scheme reflects the year ahead.
What is Liquid Glass design?
To be honest, out of every announcement that Apple made about iOS 26 beta, the liquid glass design was the leading star. Undeniably, iPhone’s lock screen and home screen have a new, beautiful design year after year.
So, the liquid glass design, as Apple calls it ‘’ new translucent material,” since the apps and widgets are clear. Although you can still switch to dark and light modes, depending on the surroundings.
You will be amazed by buttons with a new floating design in several apps, like Phone and Apps.
Notable features of iOS 26 beta
Your iPhone will look different with iOS 26 beta this fall. Don’t fret, you haven’t missed anything. Apple’s new naming structure is now tied to the year after its launch, just like what car makers do when debuting new models.
Phone app redesign: You will be able to scroll through your contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages all on one screen. The new feature, named ‘’ Hold assist, that notifies you when a user comes to the phone.’’ So, you can elevate distractions and continue to other tasks.
Live Translation on the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages: iOS 26 beta brings you a plethora of features, like the ability to have a conversation on a Phone call or text message with other languages speakers. With live translation, you will be able to translate your conversation in real time.
Polls in Group Chat: Tired of sorting through what seems like tons of messages in group chats. Now you can create polls with your friends in group chat, deciding on your next trip or brunch.
Filtering Unknown Senders in Messages: You are lucky; you can now filter out those annoying spam messages in a separate folder.
Visual Messages: This feature will allow you to search for anything that’s on your iPhone Screen. For instance, if you spot someone wearing an elegant dress in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use visual intelligence to find a similar dress online.
Photos Tabs are back: If you are still frustrated with last year’s Photos changes. You will be super happy to know photo tabs are back! The library and Collections will be visible separately, so you don’t have to infinitely scroll to look for anything.
The devices that will be compatible with iOS 26 beta will be as follows:
iPhone SE (second generation or later)
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone 16e
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
If you are a developer, you can experience iOS 26 beta now. The iOS 26 public beta will be accessible to developers in July via the Apple Beta Software Program. Just visit the free beta.apple.com and sign up with your phone number or email address. If you are not a member, you need to sign up on this website to use the latest features.
iOS 26 beta is expected to be released a week after the iPhone 17 launch, just as it rolled out last year!
Also read – iPhone 17 Series Launch in September: Colors, Specs, Prices Revealed
