Apple is moving forward with iOS 26, and the third developer beta is now available, featuring subtle refinements, new customization tools, and deeper integration of the company’s next-generation design language. While the headline-grabbing changes came in earlier betas, Beta 3 still delivers meaningful updates to apps, UI polish, and Apple Intelligence features. Here’s what to expect as iOS 26 evolves — and what you’ll likely see in the public beta coming in July.
Liquid Glass Gets More Refined
One of the defining features of iOS 26 is Apple’s bold new design aesthetic called Liquid Glass. Inspired by visionOS (from the Vision Pro headset), it adds a fluid, layered effect to elements across the interface. Buttons, sliders, Control Center tiles, and even tab bars now respond dynamically to movement and light.
In Beta 3, Apple continues tweaking these elements. Expect more subtle transparency and color shifts, though some users are already missing the higher transparency seen in earlier versions.
Messages: Polls and Group Typing Indicators
Group chats are getting more lively and interactive. iOS 26 introduces polls directly inside group messages — perfect for quickly settling debates or making plans. Apple is also adding typing indicators in group chats for the first time, so you’ll see who’s responding in real time.
You can now customize group chat backgrounds, bringing more personality and visual flair to your conversations.
Phone App Upgrades: Call Screening & Hold Assist
Apple is finally catching up to Google with call screening, allowing you to see who’s calling and why before you pick up. Another time-saver: Hold Assist can wait on hold for you, jumping in when a real person comes on the line.
Beta 3 also introduces a unified call layout that combines Favorites, Recents, and Voicemail into one sleek view.
Live Translation: Real-Time Conversations, No App Required
Apple is rolling out Live Translation — an Apple Intelligence-powered feature that can translate voice and text in real time, directly during calls in the Phone app, Messages, and FaceTime. It all runs on-device for better privacy and speed.
This could be a game-changer for travelers and multilingual households.
Apple Intelligence: Smarter, Subtler Features
Though Apple’s revamped Siri hasn’t launched yet, iOS 26 brings several small but smart features powered by Apple Intelligence:
- Genmoji lets you blend two emoji into one unique mashup.
- Visual Intelligence helps you identify and take action on objects seen in photos or your screen.
- Smarter Shortcuts adapts workflows based on context and learned behavior.
New Games App: A Hub for All Your Play
iOS 26 introduces a dedicated Games app, consolidating your gaming life:
- Home tab: Shows updates, achievements, and events.
- Apple Arcade tab: Browse Apple’s whole catalog.
- Library: See every game you’ve ever downloaded.
- Play Together: View what your friends are playing and connect.
More Wallpapers and Cleaner Transparency
Apple has added new color options to the default iOS 26 wallpaper, including Halo, Dusk, Sky, and Shadow, with deeper tones revealed in Dark Mode.
Transparency in some apps (like Music, Podcasts, and Safari) has been slightly reduced to improve legibility, especially in bright or busy environments.
Other Subtle Changes
- Maps: Now supports fog alerts when using offline navigation and expands the commute delay feature.
- Safari: Folder view gets minor design updates.
- Control Center: Toggles like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are now brighter and better aligned with the Liquid Glass theme.
- iPadOS 26: Shaking the pointer now makes it grow in size, like on macOS, making it easier to spot.
Bug Fixes in Beta 3
Apple addressed an issue that caused iPads connected to external displays to enter sleep mode during active video calls. That should be fixed now.
Release
Apple is preparing to release the public beta of iOS 26 in July. The final version is expected to be released this fall alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Whether you’re in it for the sleek UI, smarter phone calls, or enhanced Apple Intelligence, iOS 26 is shaping up to be a substantial update that balances aesthetics with performance.
