Apple released iOS 26 developer beta 2 this week, two weeks after beta 1 dropped.
First unveiled at WWDC, iOS 26 introduces Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface—a dynamic design language that replaces the flat aesthetic used since iOS 7.
This second beta brings refinements, visual tweaks, and much-needed bug fixes to that updated foundation.
This isn’t a big leap forward, but it does smooth out many of the rough edges in the first beta with refinements, bug fixes, and a few subtle new features.
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s new in iOS 26 beta 2. Let’s get to it.
Refined Control Center and Visual Improvements
Apple adjusted the background blur in Control Center, making toggles easier to see. It’s now closer to the frosted glass look Apple originally teased.
Button designs have been cleaned up, and similar changes extend to Notification Center, where notification bubbles now have a stronger contrast.
The iOS 26 default wallpaper now reacts to device motion, a feature shown at WWDC but missing from beta 1.
Safari’s New Bottom Bar Gets Much-Needed Fixes
Beta 2 makes Safari easier to use. The forward navigation button has returned, and the “All Tabs” button has been moved to the bottom right—where your thumb naturally rests—instead of being hidden in the top corner.
Tab view now shows a cleaner toolbar at the bottom, with the new tab and close tab buttons moved into more sensible positions.
The “Manage Tab Groups” section now includes a proper icon, and there’s a new “Select Tabs” option for batch actions. You can close, move, pin, or copy selected tabs.
Bookmark icons have also been updated. And the profile switcher on the Start Page now shows your active profile, not just an icon.
A Subtle New Ringtone and Wallet Automation
There’s a new ringtone titled “Alt 1” under the “Reflection” section in Sounds & Haptics. This could be a temporary name; it could change before the final release.
In the Wallet app, Apple added a splash screen for the Orders feature, which pulls tracking data from Mail.
You can now allow or disallow this on first launch. The feature was present in beta 1, but now looks more finished.
Camera UI Gets Functional Labels
In the Camera app, toggling Flash or Night Mode now displays clear labels like “Flash Auto” or “Night Mode Off.”
For video, the format info (e.g., HDR, Dolby Vision) has been removed from the main preview and tucked behind the resolution toggle.
There’s also no longer a format option under Settings > Camera > Indicators.
Messages, Notes, and System-Level Touchups
Animated wallpapers that caused lag in Messages have been fixed. Group chats no longer show empty menu sections like “Links” or “Documents” when there is no content.
In the Notes app, selecting text now reveals a smarter toolbar. Instead of showing formatting tools first, iOS prioritizes options like Bold and Link, which users tap more often. Apple also reversed the indent icons.
Smarter Siri + ChatGPT Settings
Apple has updated the ChatGPT integration under Settings > Siri & Apple Intelligence. You now get two limits: one for image requests and one for everything else.
The old single “Daily Limit” label is gone, and a few related descriptions have also been tightened up.
Recovery Assistant Can Restore Without a Computer
A new feature called Recovery Assistant can now help revive a device that doesn’t boot up, without needing a Mac or PC.
Apple quietly added this in beta 2, and while it’s not front-facing yet, it’s a notable addition, especially after beta 1 bricked a number of devices.
Small UI Changes Across the System
- The Edit Home Screen animation is smoother and more fluid.
- Settings pages have tighter spacing.
- Low Power Mode’s description has been slightly reworded to provide more details.
- Battery usage now shows a more consistent layout.
- Taking a screenshot now consistently offers “Ask” and “Image Search” options, including for web pages.
Bug Fixes and Performance Gains
This beta clears out many of the UI bugs seen in beta 1. Focus mode no longer overlaps with widgets on the Lock Screen.
Animated album art now displays correctly. The “Clear” button in notifications has a proper animation.
Performance also feels more stable. Micro-stutters are less common when navigating between system apps like Settings or Messages.
Battery life is still too early to judge, but the device doesn’t heat up as quickly as it did with the first beta, which is an encouraging sign.
Also New in Beta 2
Reduce Transparency under “Accessibility” now cuts down Liquid Glass effects more aggressively, dimming backgrounds across Control Center and notifications.
Apple Music gains a new Live Radio widget that lets you quickly access streaming stations from the Home Screen or Smart Stack.
The App Store now includes an Accessibility section on app pages, allowing developers to list supported features like VoiceOver or Dynamic Type.
Live Captions has renamed its toggle from Transcribe Calls to Save Call Transcripts, and now alerts call participants with a sound before transcribing begins.
What’s Next
Apple will likely release iOS 26 beta 3 in two weeks from now, followed by the first public beta around mid-July. Apple could shift timelines, but that’s the expected cadence for now.
If you’re running beta 1, this second beta is worth installing. It tightens the visual design, improves performance, and fixes key usability issues, especially in Safari and Control Center.
There’s still a long road to the final release this fall, but beta 2 is a step in the right direction.
