Apple has released iOS 26 beta 2 to registered developers, marking a significant step forward in stabilizing and refining the next major iPhone operating system.
This update arrives just two weeks after the initial beta, addressing a host of bugs and usability issues while introducing subtle design enhancements and new features that highlight Apple’s evolving vision for iOS.
Key Bug Fixes and Improvements
The second beta is primarily focused on resolving the bugs and glitches that surfaced in the first release. Early testers report that iOS 26 beta 2 delivers a smoother, more reliable experience, with fewer crashes and improved performance across supported devices.
Notably, Apple has fixed issues in the Control Center, enhancing its readability with a darker, more blurred background, and resolving animation lags and overlapping widget problems on the Lock Screen. Battery life and device heat management have also been optimized, providing users with a more stable daily experience1.
New Features and Design Tweaks
While bug fixes are at the forefront, iOS 26 beta 2 also introduces several new features and visual updates. The standout is the continued rollout of the “Liquid Glass” design language, which brings a translucent, glass-like effect to the Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Center, and various app menus.
This modern aesthetic is paired with practical upgrades, such as customizable Control Center layouts and improved dynamic wallpapers that respond to device motion.
Other notable additions include:
- A new “Alt 1” variant of the Reflection ringtone, now available in the Sounds & Haptics settings.
- Enhanced notification badges: unknown sender alerts in the Phone app now use a blue badge for better differentiation.
- A new Live Radio widget for Apple Music, adding convenience for CarPlay users.
- The return of the stock iPhone wallpaper collection, allowing users to restore classic backgrounds that were missing in beta 1.
- Refined Safari controls with reorganized menus and updated icons for easier navigation.
Apple Intelligence and Developer Tools
iOS 26 continues to expand Apple Intelligence features, including improvements to Visual Intelligence, which now works with screenshots, and new frameworks for developers to integrate AI-powered tools into third-party apps.
The update also introduces a dedicated Games app and a redesigned multitasking system for iPadOS 26, further aligning Apple’s platforms with a unified versioning system and design language.
What’s Next for iOS 26
With beta 2 now available, Apple is encouraging developers to test the latest build, report any remaining issues, and prepare their apps for the public beta, which is expected to launch in July. As always, Apple recommends installing beta software on secondary devices and backing up data before updating.
iOS 26 beta 2 demonstrates Apple’s commitment to delivering a polished, visually striking, and user-friendly operating system ahead of its official release later this year. By addressing early bugs and introducing thoughtful enhancements, Apple is setting the stage for a robust and innovative iOS experience for millions of users worldwide1.
