iOS 26 Public Beta 2: Everything to Know About Liquid Glass, New Features & Fall Release

Apple just dropped iOS 26 public beta 2, giving us an exciting peek at what’s coming to our iPhones this fall. While we’re still waiting for Apple to announce the official release date at next month’s iPhone event, you can dive in now with the public beta (or developer beta 6 for those in the know).

I’ve been exploring the beta for a few weeks, and one immediate improvement I noticed is how much better screenshots are. You can now access Google and ChatGPT search options right from the screenshot editor, which is incredibly handy. For a deeper dive into all the new features, check out our full preview of the iOS 26 public beta, especially its fresh home and lock screen redesign. This new translucent look, called Liquid Glass, will be a visual signature across all of Apple’s upcoming operating systems, including macOS and iPadOS. This massive visual overhaul was just one of many significant announcements at Apple’s WWDC keynote on June 9.

After hinting at big AI plans last year, Apple seems to have shifted its iOS focus this year to practical, “quality of life” enhancements. The Phone and Messages apps are getting several useful additions. For instance, you’ll soon be able to filter out spam texts and unknown senders, and there’s a new option to “Hold Assist” to keep your spot on a phone call if you’re waiting for a representative. Plus, a beloved feature is making a comeback in the Photos app – get ready to rediscover tabs!

Siri, however, remains largely unchanged for now. Apple previously stated that a smarter, more personalized Siri, initially promised at WWDC 2024, is delayed until “in the coming year.” So, don’t expect major breakthroughs in the current betas. However, reports suggest Apple is planning a significant upgrade for Siri, potentially basing it on powerful third-party AI models like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or Anthropic’s Claude, which could make 2026 a pivotal year for the voice assistant. The company is also reportedly developing its own “stripped-down” AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT.

With each new beta release, more interesting improvements keep surfacing. We’re curious about a rumored new AirPods gesture, and there’s a FaceTime feature that can reportedly freeze your video if it detects nudity. The iOS 26 developer beta 5, for example, introduced a new bouncy animation on the passcode screen and in the Control Center. Many of these changes are expected to migrate to the public beta soon. Most newer iPhone models are eligible for iOS 26, both the beta and the final version. Want to know more? Read on for a full list of what’s coming this fall.

What is iOS 26?

The current iPhone operating system is iOS 18, and it’s still getting updates, with version 18.6 recently released. But don’t look for iOS 19; Apple is jumping straight to iOS 26 this year. This new numbering system aligns iOS versions with a year-based convention, similar to car model years. So, while iOS 26 and its sibling operating systems will launch in late 2025, they’re designated “26” to reflect the upcoming year.

What is Liquid Glass design?

Let’s be honest: The new Liquid Glass design was arguably the biggest showstopper at WWDC this year. For years, the iPhone’s home and lock screens have largely retained the same look, with the most exciting recent change being the ability to customize app icons and widgets. So, this fresh facelift for the home and lock screens is truly invigorating.

So, what exactly is Liquid Glass? Apple describes it as a “new translucent material” because, well, apps and widgets now appear clear. However, the screen can still seamlessly adapt to dark and light modes based on your surroundings. You’ll also notice buttons with a new floating design in various apps, like Phone and Maps. They’re designed to be less intrusive yet easily visible. While this design overhaul has sparked some debate, many, including Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar, appreciate the new direction, even if it brings to mind Microsoft’s translucent Windows Vista Aero designs from nearly two decades ago.

It’s worth noting that Apple has already incorporated user feedback into the design since the release of iOS 26 beta 2, subtly reducing the transparency in some areas. While it will continue to evolve, Liquid Glass is here to stay, as it’s designed to create a more cohesive visual experience across all of Apple’s operating systems. You can even see how this translucent aesthetic will translate to your desktop with the new macOS Tahoe 26.

What are the new and notable features of iOS 26?

iOS 26 is packed with new features. Here are some of the most impactful:

Phone app redesign: You’ll finally be able to scroll through your contacts, recent calls, and voicemail messages all on a single screen. It also includes a handy new “Hold Assist” feature that alerts you when a representative picks up, so you don’t have to listen to hold music endlessly.

Live Translation in Phone, FaceTime, and Messages: iOS 26 introduces the ability to have real-time conversations, whether by phone call or text, with someone speaking a different language. Live Translation will translate your conversation on the fly, though Apple’s examples showed it might lead to some stop-and-go interactions.

Polls in group chats: Tired of wading through endless messages to make a decision? Soon, you and your friends can create polls directly within group chats to decide on things like dinner spots or who’s driving.

Filtering unknown senders in Messages: If you’ve been bombarded with spam texts about fake tolls or citations, rejoice! These annoying messages will soon be automatically filtered into a separate folder.

Visual Intelligence: Similar to a reverse Google image search, this new feature lets you search for anything you see on your iPhone screen. For example, if you spot a cool pair of shoes in an Instagram photo, you can screenshot it and use Visual Intelligence to find those exact shoes (or similar ones) online.

Photos tabs are back: For anyone who struggled with the Photos app changes last year, you’ll be pleased to know your beloved tabs are returning. Library and Collections will have their own distinct sections, saving you from endless scrolling to find what you’re looking for.

FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature: A newer addition to iOS 26 is the FaceTime “Communication Safety” feature, which can pause communications if nudity is detected. This appears to be a child safety feature that operates entirely on-device, thus avoiding any cloud-based privacy concerns.

New lock screen options: The iPhone lock screen is getting even more customizable in iOS 26, featuring a sleeker clock, cool 3D wallpaper effects, more widget options, and improved Focus Mode settings.

New changes coming to iPadOS 26

Your iPad isn’t being left behind; it’s also getting some major updates this fall:

Multitasking and real windowing: With the new update, you’ll be able to run multiple apps simultaneously on your screen. When you open an app, it will appear normally, but you can then resize and move it around to make space for other apps. This feature is optional, so you can disable it if it’s not for you.

Visual update: Like the other new OSes, iPadOS 26 will feature the Liquid Glass aesthetic. This new look will appear on the lock and home screens, as well as in drop-down menus.

New menu bar: Swiping down on your screen will reveal a new menu bar with options like File, Edit, Windows, and more. There’s also a search option if you’re looking for something specific within the app.

Check out our first impressions of iPadOS 26 for more details.

What about AirPods?

AirPods are also receiving updates with iOS 26, bringing some notable new functions:

Enhanced audio recording: Apple touts this as “studio-quality” audio recording, promising increased clarity, especially in noisy environments.

Camera remote control: With a simple press on your AirPods, you can remotely take a photo or start and stop video recording. When taking photos, you’ll even get a three-second countdown before your iPhone or iPad snaps the picture.

Live translation feature: While not officially announced or confirmed, there’s strong evidence that the long-rumored live translation for AirPods could arrive with iOS 26. This comes from a system asset discovered in the iOS 26 beta, which shows a gesture triggered by pressing both earbud stems simultaneously, alongside text in multiple languages.

Which iPhones will be able to upgrade to iOS 26?

A few older iPhone models that run the current version of iOS—specifically the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max—will not be compatible with the iOS 26 update. However, any iPhones released in 2019 or later will be eligible.

Here’s the full list of compatible iPhones:

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 16
iPhone 16 Plus
iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16e

This list does not include the presumed new iPhone 17 models (or perhaps iPhone 26?), which are almost certainly set to be announced and released in September.

How to install iOS 26 beta

The iOS 26 public beta is now available for download through the Apple Beta Software Program. If you’re not already a member, you’ll need to sign up to try out all the latest features. Simply visit beta.apple.com and register with your phone number or email address—it’s free.

Once you’re signed up, you can install the beta by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update and selecting iOS 26 public beta.

A word of caution: It’s generally not recommended to install beta software on your primary iPhone, as it’s not finalized and may contain bugs or instability.

When will the final version of iOS 26 be released?

iOS 26 is expected to be released to the public this fall. Historically, Apple launches its new iOS version in September, typically within a week of its annual iPhone event. Last year, for example, iOS 16 rolled out to iPhone users on September 16, exactly one week after the iPhone 16 lineup was announced.

If you’re particularly interested in the Apple Intelligence features coming later, you can find more details on everything Apple revealed for iOS, macOS, and more during WWDC. Also, the improvements in iOS 26 screenshots might offer an intriguing glimpse into Apple’s upcoming, delayed Siri rework.